Sars-CoV-2

Italy has relaunched its Covid-19 vaccination campaign with an updated vaccine aimed at the new XFG variant. Health authorities are recommending the shot primarily to vulnerable groups, including the elderly and immunocompromised, as the virus continues to mutate. Officials stress that updated doses are needed because Sars-CoV-2 keeps changing, and administration has already begun across the country.

Health experts in Germany warn the flu wave in the 2026/27 season could arrive earlier than expected. Wastewater monitoring shows rising levels of SARS-CoV-2, and many people in risk groups lack adequate vaccination protection. Specialists are urging people to get immunised and take precautions now, ahead of what could be a heavier respiratory illness season than in previous years.

A German-language discussion is questioning why education experts, policymakers and medical professionals are not considering whether repeated SARS-CoV-2 infections may contribute to the poor PISA results recorded worldwide. Commenters argue the possible link between COVID infections and declining student performance is being ignored, sparking debate about post-pandemic learning losses.