Influenza viruses circulate more intensively in the cold season. In order to protect as many people as possible against an illness, after several political projects, the flu vaccination is now also offered in pharmacies. It is easy to find out whether a specific pharmacy offers the service.
In Germany, flu vaccinations are now also available in pharmacies. The Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists (Abda) pointed this out in Berlin and at the same time linked this with an appeal for immunization. "The best time to vaccinate against flu is now," said Thomas Dittrich, chairman of the German Pharmacists' Association. There is no better protection against the flu.
Due to changes in the law, not only doctors but also pharmacists are now allowed to offer certain vaccinations. The possibility was created as part of the corona vaccination campaigns, but also applies to vaccinations against seasonal influenza. According to Abda, pilot projects in this area have been running in some federal states since 2020.
According to the federal association, all contractual agreements with the health insurance companies have now been concluded and professional guidelines have been submitted. This means that pharmacies could also offer flu vaccinations “from now on”. However, the owners decide for themselves whether they do this. According to Abda information, customers can use the Internet portal www.mein-apothekenmanager.de to search for pharmacies that offer vaccinations.
According to an association survey in the summer, about a third of the owners nationwide also want to offer flu vaccinations. Immunization is recommended by the Standing Vaccination Commission for people over 60, residents of old people's and nursing homes and the chronically ill. The same applies to pregnant women and people who have a lot of professional contact with other people. Legally insured persons from these groups receive the vaccination free of charge.
