Vaccination Effort in Brabant-Southeast Leveled at Germany’s Vulnerable
The region of Brabant-Southeast is winding down its COVID-19 booster vaccination campaign for vulnerable populations, including older adults and those with pre-existing conditions. While less than half of those invited chose to receive a shot, program coordinator Joost van der Steen of the regional public health service (GGD) considers the campaign a success thanks to a shift towards more accessible vaccination sites.
Tailored Approach Boosts Accessibility
Gone are the days of mass vaccinations in large, crowded facilities. Brabant-Southeast opted for a more community-focused approach, setting up 13 injection locations spread throughout the region. “We wanted to lower the threshold for people,” says van der Steen. “We think it is important that everyone who wants to get the shot can do so. Vulnerable target groups prefer not to travel too far, but want to receive a vaccination in their familiar environment.”
This strategy resulted in the successful vaccination of over 2,000 people in their own homes. In addition, a mobile team rolled out to healthcare institutions lacking medical services, further extending the GGD’s reach.
Individuals Make Their Own Decisions
“People decide for themselves whether they want the shot,” Van der Steen observes. “The urgency is now felt less than in previous years. But it is up to us to ensure that it is possible for everyone to get a vaccination.”
Despite the lower acceptance rate than in previous years, the GGD is pleased with the interest from the most vulnerable demographics.
“Interest is greatest among the elderly,” van der Steen notes. “There is less interest among young people over the age of sixty. We see that as their age increases, people also prefer to get a shot. That is what we like to see.”
Final Days to Get Vaccinated
The deadline for the booster vaccination campaign is Friday. Individuals who wish to get vaccinated are encouraged to schedule an appointment by phone. Walk-in visits are also welcome at the GGD locations in Eindhoven, Eersel, and Budel.
What are the main factors driving Southeast Asia’s growing role in vaccine development?
## Southeast Asia’s Growing Role in Vaccine Development
**(Interviewer):** Welcome to the show. Today we’re talking about the evolving landscape of vaccine development, and specifically Southeast Asia’s increasing prominence in this field. Joining us is Dr. Alex Reed, an expert in global health security. Dr. Alex Reed, thank you for being here.
**(Dr. Alex Reed):** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**(Interviewer):** In recent years, we’ve seen a shift in global vaccine development, with emerging regions like Southeast Asia playing a larger role. Can you shed some light on this trend?
**(Dr. Alex Reed):** Absolutely. Southeast Asia is indeed becoming a significant player in the vaccine landscape. This is driven by several factors. Firstly, the region has a large and youthful population, making it a key market for vaccine manufacturers. Secondly, Southeast Asian countries have made significant investments in building up their research and development infrastructure, leading to the emergence of capable local manufacturers.
**(Interviewer):** This is interesting, especially considering some uncertainties we saw in the US during the Trump administration regarding vaccine development and policies. Did that situation influence Southeast Asia’s growth in this field?
**(Dr. Alex Reed):** [1]
>>(https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/features/does-southeast-asia-have-a-growing-role-in-vaccine-development/) It’s possible that the Trump administration’s skepticism towards vaccines and the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of the HHS may have indirectly contributed to Southeast Asia’s rise. This uncertainty likely encouraged vaccine manufacturers and researchers to explore alternative regions for collaboration and investment. Southeast Asia, with its burgeoning infrastructure and supportive governments, presented a promising alternative.
**(Interviewer):** What are the implications of this trend for global health security?
**(Dr. Alex Reed):** This is a positive development for global health. Having a more diversified and geographically distributed vaccine production landscape increases resilience and reduces reliance on any single region. It also empowers developing countries to play a more active role in shaping the global health agenda.
**(Interviewer):** Thank you, Dr. Alex Reed, for sharing your insights. It’s certainly an exciting time for vaccine development, and Southeast Asia is clearly poised to play a leading role in the years to come.
