Finally: The EU drug regulatory authority has recommended the approval of the coronavirus vaccine.

Alpha1 Germany eV.

Today we would like to begin the newsletter with a warning, as we have received several calls with inquiries about the accuracy of information regarding Covid-19 vaccination notifications. At this point, we ask for your understanding. Beware of fake news, Because a lot of information can spread quickly on the internet and social networks. Exchanging information on such sites can be helpful – but also very unsettling. The difference between factual information and misinformation is not always immediately apparent.

News circulating in private circles is often considered particularly credible. Be skeptical and question information before sharing it. You can verify information using official federal and state portals (RKI, etc.) and reputable media outlets.

Yesterday, the long-awaited news appeared on the Tagesschau news program.The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended the approval of the coronavirus vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer. Formal approval from the European Commission is still required. If so, vaccinations could begin in Germany immediately after Christmas.

The most important information can be found at the RKI, including the latest update: Statement from the Standing Committee on Vaccination at the Robert Koch Institute: STIKO's decision to recommend COVID-19 vaccination and the associated scientific rationale.

More news about Corona

As written in the last newsletter, an mRNA vaccine is still new, But at least some fears seem unfounded.:

And even though we would actually prefer not to hear anything more about Corona, the Testimonial from Sandra Böhmer (PiZZ, member and group leader of the SHG Franken) definitely encouraging:

My experiences with Corona

It was a completely normal day when I went to work. The day before, I was at school (I'm doing retraining), which is very tiring for me at the moment because we have to wear masks all day and, in addition, all the windows are open during lessons, making it very cold in the classroom.

When I arrived at work, I felt great. I was full of energy, sat down at my desk, and started working when I suddenly coughed. Just a little, nothing unusual for me. My boss looked at me and said he'd be happy if I went to the doctor for a COVID test. I was very surprised, as I had felt perfectly healthy. My colleague also mentioned that I had been to school yesterday and that I might have caught a bit of a cold.

Nothing to be done about it, off to the test!

I've never had such a thorough examination during a routine doctor's visit. My family thought it was hilarious, and so did I. But the next day came the shock: I was told the result was "positive.".

I was very upset and felt particularly let down by the health department, as I received no detailed information or explanation. I don't even want to go into that in more detail…

My boss was very empathetic and understanding, which I can't say about some others in my environment.

Today (after a week with Covid-19) I have no symptoms other than a slightly elevated temperature and a bit of a cough – which isn't unusual for me because of my Alpha status. I feel pretty good, and I was more afraid of getting it than it was worth. I felt worse when I had the flu.

All my family members, close contacts and schoolmates have tested negative.

Perhaps my weekly antitrypsin infusion helped me, or maybe I was just lucky that I wasn't more severely affected?!

I hope this has eased your fears a little and wish you good health and a wonderful Christmas season…

Sandra Böhmer

Editor's note: Sandra is still doing well after almost three weeks. Share your experiences with us – encourage others. (erfahrungen@alpha1-deutschland.org)

YouTube video: Liver involvement in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Just in time for Christmas, the new video from the Alpha1 liver team at RWTH Aachen University has been released. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the team once again for their hard work in fighting for us and our health.

From research, results of a survey that many of us participated in

Dear Rare Barometer Voices participants,

We recently invited you to participate in our Rare Barometer Voices survey on how COVID-19 is affecting your care and well-being. We sincerely thank everyone who took part! We received 8,500 responses in 23 languages from 88 countries worldwide. This means the results are robust and reliable.

After months of analysis, we are pleased to inform you about the results of this research.

Here you will find an infographic, which summarizes the most important results in your language. You can Here is also the global dashboard View it. It contains the overall result, displayed in graphs and tables in your language.

They made the following statements in particular:

• From March to May 2020, we experienced 8 out of 10 Patients with a rare disease experience an interruption in their medical care. 6 out of 10 Patients felt that these interruptions in medical care had a detrimental effect on their health. 3 out of 10 They perceived these interruptions as a situation that could even have been life-threatening for them.

Access to hospitals proved difficult and stressful:

• 48 % They didn't go to the hospital because they were afraid of contracting COVID-19.
• 25 % They reported that the hospital or facility that is normally responsible for the medical care of patients with rare diseases was closed.
• 34 % Patients were told not to go to the hospital if their health problems were other than COVID-19.

Your participation has provided us with valuable insights into how COVID-19 is affecting people living with rare diseases. This information will continue to be used around the world to raise awareness for patients with rare diseases…

Thank you for your participation,

Your Rare Barometer Team.

And once again, there is another Tip by Uwe and Marion Deter:

Press release from the GbA: Screening for hepatitis B and C is a new component of the health check-up.:

Insured persons aged 35 and over will in future have a one-time entitlement to be tested for the viral diseases Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C as part of the so-called check-up (health examination).

A personal note

AmazonSmile paid us the following amounts up to November 2020: 448,23 € to Alpha1 Germany eV.

Thank you to everyone who supported us and to everyone who would like to do the same: You can find more information here.

And last but not least

The board of Alpha1 Germany wishes you a Merry Christmas, good health and a good start to 2020!