Germany recommends combining AstraZeneca, mRNA shots

Authorities are trying to increase the speed and effectiveness of vaccinations as the highly infectious Delta variant spreads.

Germany is recommending that all people who get a first shot of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine switch to a different type of vaccine for their second shot. The aim is to increase the speed and effectiveness of vaccinations as the more contagious Delta variant spreads. Health Minister Jens Spahn conferred with his colleagues from Germany’s 16 states on Friday, the day after the country’s standing committee on vaccination issued a draft recommendation.