Martine Hansen from the CSV (pictured during a plenary session in October 2021)  introduced the motion to speed up booster shots Library photo: Romain Gamba / Maison Moderne

Martine Hansen from the CSV (pictured during a plenary session in October 2021)  introduced the motion to speed up booster shots Library photo: Romain Gamba / Maison Moderne

Members of parliament on Tuesday told the government to start offering coronavirus vaccine booster shots as soon as experts recommend such a move, with the health minister saying more information could follow later this week.

Luxembourg’s infectious diseases council (CSMI) last week had for healthcare staff and people aged 65 or over to receive an extra vaccine dose.

In the UK, government scientists have recommended booster jabs for over-40s. Germany’s health minister, Jens Spahn, on 5 November called for booster shots for anyone who was fully vaccinated at least six months ago.

Martine Hansen (CSV) who introduced the motion said Luxembourg was too timid on reaching a decision on booster shots, adding it was clear that the third dose would be beneficial for all.

Nonetheless, the CSV agreed to change the wording of the motion, from calling on the government to offer booster shots to doing so only once experts have recommended such a move.

Health minister Paulette Lenert (LSAP) said the government would discuss the issue at its cabinet meeting later this week, adding there could be an announcement following the session. However, Lenert also said that the government would follow the advice of the CSMI and urged members of parliament to more clearly define which “experts” they mean in their motion.

A large majority of MPs--58 out of the 60 seats in parliament--supported the motion. Déi Lénk refused to back the document, saying populations in poorer countries around the world remain largely unvaccinated and that doses should be shared.

The world’s low-income countries have received only 0.4% of vaccine doses globally, the World Health Organization said earlier this month. Director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a briefing said no more vaccine doses should go to nations that have vaccinated more than 40% of their populations and that booster shots should only be given to at-risk groups.