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Flu Vac­ci­na­tion – Now is the Time

The flu is a serious illness. The annual flu season in Germany typically starts at the beginning of January and lasts until mid-May, so getting vaccinated now at the beginning of 2022 is an important safeguard for the coming months. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered simultaneously. More than 34 million flu vaccine doses are ready for use this season, which is enough to vaccinate everyone who so wishes.

Doctor vaccinates person (Source: Alesandro Guerriero / shutterstock.com)

A case of the flu (influenza) is a serious illness caused by an infection with influenza viruses. Sudden-onset high fever, dry cough, headache, sore throat, and muscle pain are some of the most common symptoms of the flu. Symptoms can vary, however, and the illness can take a life-threatening course. The elderly, people with certain chronic diseases such as heart disease, chronic lung disease, or severe obesity, and even pregnant patients are especially at high risk for a severe flu case.

The Standing Committee on Vaccination (Ständige Impfkommission, STIKO) recommends a flu shot for people 60 years of age or older; pregnant women in their second trimester or later; individuals with chronic respiratory, cardiovascular, liver, or kidney diseases; individuals with chronic neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis; individuals with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency; or HIV-infected individuals. The recommendation also applies to care home residents and people with an increased occupational risk, such as medical personnel. High-dosage vaccination is recommended for people 60 years of age or older. Individuals who do not belong to one of the groups specifically mentioned in the STIKO recommendation can also receive a flu vaccination.

It is important to note that a simultaneous administration of flu and COVID-19 vaccines in different limbs is possible. Since the flu season generally lasts until mid-May, getting a vaccination in the coming weeks is advisable.

There are influenza vaccines available in Germany from multiple manufacturers. Information on these vaccines is available on the website of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut. As the Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut is responsible for batch testing of flu vaccines, and the institute publishes the number of released vaccine doses.

Updated: 06.01.2022