BERLIN (Reuters), – German municipalities have asked authorities to stop “flying by your seat of your pants” in order to encourage more forward-thinking planning, as it appears that the country will miss its January vaccination target.

Local leaders described the vaccination rollout as chaotic and complained of poor communication regarding when and how many vaccines they would be receiving. This made planning difficult.

Germany’s vaccination rate is lower than other countries in Europe. 71.5% are fully vaccinated, and only 40.9% of those who have had a booster shot were fully vaccinated.

Gerd Landsberg (chief executive of German Association of Towns and Municipalities) stated that he would like to see plans for the fourth dose of vaccine, which will include more vaccination centers and priority schemes, when federal and state officials meet Friday.

In a printed interview, he stated that “Overall one principle must be applied: Less flying at the seat of our pants and more forward thinking planning.”

It has stated that the government aims to ensure at least 80% of the population receives at least one shot each year by January 31, a goal it may miss if it continues with the current rate of first-time immunizations. The number currently stands at 74%.

German leaders will discuss ways to deal with the Omicron variant which is highly contagious. This includes shortening COVID-19 self isolation periods to reduce fears of critical services being halted as it spreads.

Robert Koch Institute for Infectious Disease (RKI) reported 64,340 additional coronavirus infection on Thursday. The total now stands at more than 7.36 Million.

To reach 113 368, the death toll increased by 443.

A preliminary Israeli study has shown that a fourth dose COVID-19 vaccine increases antibodies by fivefold within a week.

Jean Castex, the French Prime Minister, stated on Thursday that France is ready to deploy a fourth shot once health officials give their approval.