Kimmich’s hesitancy in getting jabbed has become a national issue in Germany, with the 26-year-old having previously expressed concern about insufficient research into the long-term effects of getting vaccinated.
Kimmich has not played for Bayern Munich since November 6 after being forced to self-isolate for coming into contact with a positive person.
The Germany international has since tested positive for coronavirus himself and will not be returning to action for the rest of the year after suffering complications with his lungs due to contracting the virus.
Kimmich has now conceded that getting vaccinated will be the right thing to do but has hit out at critics who were unhappy with decision to get the jab earlier.
"Generally, it was just difficult for me to deal with my fears and concerns, which is why I was undecided for so long," Kimmich said, speaking to German broadcaster ZDF.
"Maybe I had to go through what I have now gone through first. Of course, looking back, I would like to make the vaccination decision earlier, but at the time it wasn't possible for me."
He added on the criticism he has endured: "I have to say personally that some of the limits have been exceeded.
"I also had the feeling that there was one or another who tried to make a name for themselves through this situation. It wasn't always just objective criticism.
"We always talk about respect, tolerance, openness – and these are precisely the values that I particularly missed in my discussion."
