Last checked at 
* Paper does not expect first vaccines before Q1 2021
* First shots will only be available in limited amounts
* German experts set out first guidelines on priority groups
(Adds details from German experts on priority groups)
BERLIN, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Germany does not expect a
coronavirus vaccine to be available before the first quarter of
2021, according to its national vaccine strategy seen by Reuters
on Monday, as experts presented guidelines on who should be
first-in-line for the shots.
The paper sets out seven potential vaccines which are
expected to complete testing this year or next and could be
available in sufficient amounts to begin a nationwide
vaccination campaign for priority groups. These include shots
from AstraZeneca, BioNTech and its partner
Pfizer, as well as Moderna.
"Assuming that a favourable risk-benefit ratio can be
confirmed, first approvals are expected in Q1/2021 at the
earliest," the 15-page health ministry paper says.
Germany plans to set up centralised vaccination centres to
inoculate priority groups in the first instance which will be
supported by mobile teams, Reuters reported last week.
With the first vaccines only expected to be available in
limited amounts, the German research centre Leopoldina and
Ethics Council set out recommendations on how to prioritise
delivery in a position paper on Monday.
First in line should be those who are at risk due to their
age or pre-existing conditions, particularly people living in
nursing homes or long-term care facilities, the experts said.
The second priority group should include those exposed to
the virus through their jobs who could also spread infections to
vulnerable people such as front-line healthcare workers.
For the third group, the experts proposed those who are
needed to maintain public life, including health authority
officials, police and security staff, firefighters and teachers.
Detailed recommendations will only be possible once
late-stage data on the characteristics of vaccines is available,
the experts said.
To achieve sufficient immunity within the population,
Germany will need around 70% of people to get vaccinated, said
Leopoldina President Gerald Haug, adding building trust around
vaccines would be vital.
Vaccination will not be mandatory. The German government
will pay for the vaccines, while the cost of setting up the
vaccination centres will be borne by the states and public and
private health insurers where appropriate.
To get an overview on the effectiveness of the vaccines,
Germany will collect non-personal data including information on
age, sex, place of residence, vaccination date, vaccine product
and vaccination dose administered, the ministry paper says.
(Reporting by Andreas Rinke and Caroline Copley
Editing by Maria Sheahan and Michelle Adair)
