Professor Koenigstorfer, why did you get your vaccinations?
I want to protect others and myself. It is important that as few people as possible get COVID-19 sick worldwide. Otherwise, we will see the negative health effects on various levels. I am also very concerned about children and adolescents. They have had such a hard time during the COVID-19-related restrictions and most of them still have not been vaccinated. I consider it my responsibility that adults get vaccinated so that the children and adolescents, who suffered most in daily life from the past restrictions, can return to a normal life as soon as possible. Vaccinating them will help. But first, I feel that virtually all eligible adults should get their vaccinations to provide a safe social environment to them.
Perspectives of the team members
One of the team members adds the following: “After critically reviewing the information presented by experts who are much more knowledgeable in this area than I will ever be, I was convinced that this is the only way forward. Plus, previous vaccination prevented me from being severely affected after some unfortunate events. For example, a dog bite that could have ended badly had I not been vaccinated. I also got vaccinated because I wanted to feel safer and get on with my life doing things that make life much more enjoyable.”
One belief in the general population is that the long-term effects have not been studied yet. However, scientific evidence clearly shows that an infection with COVID-19 bears a much higher risk for long-term negative health consequences than vaccinations do. And researchers cannot wait several decades to study long-term effects until a vaccine appears on the market. Professor Koenigstorfer notes: “Let’s assume we would have waited with the polio vaccine back in the mid of the last century until we study long-term effects over two or three generations. This would have turned out really badly for the whole world.”
Some international team members who entered Germany during the pandemic learned about the European and German perspective on vaccinations. One team member notes that, “I wanted to get the vaccinations because I trust in the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines. Like any other new drug or vaccine, I know that the Covid-19 vaccines underwent rigorous, three-phase clinical trials.” The experience at the vaccination center was very positive: “It (the vaccination; the author) was really simple and easy. After my arrival in Germany, I booked an appointment at the Impfzentrum. Since I got my first vaccine in Asia, they offered me a thorough consultation and provided me with a comparable and legal second dose vaccine. The people there were very patient and helpful.”
To conclude, another team member said the following: “I got my vaccinations not only for myself, my security and health, but also to show respect and solidarity to the society. All people who reject the vaccination are at high risk.” With these insights, the team of the Chair of Sport and Health Management wants to inspire others to follow academic insights and get their vaccinations.
Contact
Chair of Sport and Health Management
Prof. Dr. Jörg Königstorfer
Secretary: Mirjam Merz
Uptown Munich Campus D
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62
80992 Munich Germany
Phone: +49.89.289.24559
Fax: +49.89.289.24642