What you need to know about getting vaccinated in Germany this winter

As Germany heads into another winter virus season, health experts are urging people in higher-risk groups to make sure their vaccinations are up to date.

The advice comes at a time when vaccination rates among many of the people most vulnerable to serious illness remain stubbornly low.

With influenza, Covid-19 and RSV all expected to circulate in the coming months, here’s what residents in Germany need to know about getting vaccinated before winter.

Could this year’s flu season start early?

Researchers monitor respiratory illnesses in other parts of the world to help predict what may happen in Europe. This year, scientists have noted that the flu season in the United States started earlier than usual, and a new mutation of the currently dominant H1N1 flu strain has also been identified.

But German experts caution against drawing firm conclusions. While developments abroad can provide clues about what might be coming, virologists stress that no one can accurately predict how severe Germany’s flu season will ultimately be.

What is clear is that influenza vaccines continue to offer good protection against the strains currently circulating internationally.

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Who should get a flu shot in Germany?

Germany’s Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) continues to recommend annual flu vaccination for several groups of people.

These include:

• Everyone aged 60 and over
• Pregnant women from the second trimester onwards
• People with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory illnesses or weakened immune systems
• Residents of nursing and care homes
• Healthcare workers
• People who regularly care for vulnerable individuals
• People living in the same household as someone at high risk of severe illness

Vaccination is also recommended for certain occupational groups, including people who have extensive contact with the public, care for vulnerable individuals or regularly work with animals that may carry influenza viruses.

Where can you get a flu shot in Germany?

The simplest option is often your family doctor (Hausarzt).

Many specialist doctors also offer flu vaccinations to their patients, particularly those with pre-existing conditions.

You may also be able to get vaccinated:

• Through an employer vaccination programme
• Via a company doctor
• At participating pharmacies
• During public vaccination campaigns run by local authorities

Pharmacies can be a particularly convenient option for many because appointments are often easier to arrange than a doctor’s visit.

If you’re unsure whether your local pharmacy offers vaccinations, the easiest solution is generally to pop in and ask: Bieten Sie hier die Grippeimpfung an? (Do you offer the flu jab here?).

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When is the best time to get vaccinated?

Health experts generally recommend getting a flu shot between October and mid-December.

Protection takes around 10 to 14 days to develop fully, so waiting until a major wave of infections is already underway is not ideal.

That said, if you miss the autumn vaccination window, experts stress that it may still be worthwhile getting vaccinated later in the season.

What if you’re healthy and under 60?

Many people assume that because STIKO does not specifically recommend flu vaccination for healthy adults under 60, it is somehow discouraged.

But the Robert Koch Institute points out that the recommendations focus on groups at increased risk of severe illness or complications. Healthy adults who want a flu vaccination can still get one.

While influenza is unlikely to lead to serious complications for most younger, healthy adults, vaccination can still reduce the likelihood of becoming ill, missing work and spreading infection to others.

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One concern this year is that vaccination uptake remains low among many of the groups who would benefit most.

Only around one-third of Germans over 60 received a flu vaccination during the most recent season, reportedly a record low.

Experts are also concerned about low uptake among people with chronic illnesses and vulnerable children.

Is the flu shot covered by health insurance?

People who fall within STIKO’s recommendation groups can generally have their flu vaccination covered by statutory health insurance. Coverage outside those groups may depend on the insurer.

Some employers also offer workplace flu vaccinations free of charge.

If you do need to pay privately, flu vaccinations in Germany are generally relatively inexpensive compared with many other healthcare services.

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Should you also get a Covid booster?

The coronavirus has not disappeared, even if it attracts far less attention these days.

Health authorities continue to recommend Covid vaccinations for certain higher-risk groups, including older adults, people with underlying health conditions and some residents of care facilities.

Experts note that protection from previous infection or vaccination gradually declines over time, which is why boosters remain important for vulnerable groups.

Current evidence suggests that Covid vaccines continue to provide protection against severe disease, despite the emergence of new variants.

What about RSV?

STIKO currently recommends RSV vaccination for everyone aged 75 and over. It is also recommended for certain adults aged 60 to 74 with relevant underlying health conditions, as well as some residents of care facilities

Can you get multiple vaccines at once?

German health authorities state that flu and Covid vaccinations can be administered at the same appointment. Where appropriate, flu vaccination can also be given together with certain RSV vaccines.

The injections are typically administered in different arms.

Health officials note that some people may experience temporary side effects such as soreness, fatigue or mild flu-like symptoms when receiving multiple vaccinations at the same time.