OREANDA-NEWS. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier received the first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19. This is reported by the German tabloid Bild.

It is reported that 65-year-old Steinmeier received the vaccine in Berlin at a Bundeswehr hospital.

The press service cited the president's comment: "I trust the vaccines authorized in Germany. Today I received my first vaccination with AstraZeneca vaccine. Vaccination is a decisive step in overcoming the pandemic. Take this opportunity. Join us!"

On Tuesday, the Standing Commission on Vaccinations (STIKO) at the Robert Koch Institute changed the guidelines for the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Now this drug is allowed to be used for vaccination of people over 60 years old, the press service of the institute said. These recommendations will be discussed at the expert level and with interested circles, the final decision will be approved on April 1, the press service said. STIKO intends to provide additional recommendations on the procedure for administering the second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine to people under 60 years of age (after the first vaccination) by the end of April.

Earlier, the authorities of Berlin and other regions of Germany announced the suspension of the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for the age group under 60 years old. This is due to possible complications from the drug in this group.