Munich health department urges residents to get flu, Covid and RSV vaccinations this autumn

Munich's Health Department is calling on residents to get vaccinated against flu, Covid-19 and RSV now that the adapted vaccines for the coming cold season are available. Flu viruses and other respiratory pathogens cause a wave of illness every autumn and winter. Its severity varies from year to year, and some cases are serious enough to need hospital treatment and can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Together with TUM Klinikum and LMU Klinikum, the department has launched the initiative "München impft" ("Munich vaccinates") to raise awareness of how acute respiratory infections can be prevented. Health Officer Beatrix Zurek said: "I am convinced that vaccination is important. My appeal to everyone in Munich, especially older people, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, medical staff and those working in places with many members of the public: the start of autumn is the ideal time to be vaccinated. Get vaccinated now against flu, Covid and RSV in line with the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO)." The vaccines can be given at the same time, and vaccination protects other people as well as yourself.

STIKO recommends the flu vaccine for everyone aged 60 and over, people of any age with underlying conditions, pregnant women from the second trimester and people at greater risk through their work, such as medical staff. It is also recommended for household members and other close contacts of people at risk, to protect those they care for. The Covid vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 75 and over and for people with risk factors for severe illness, such as existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Keeping your distance, good hygiene, wearing a mask and airing rooms also reduce the risk of infection.

Vaccinations are available at doctors' surgeries and pharmacies, and the department suggests using the appointment to check whether other STIKO-recommended vaccinations are up to date. Health insurers cover the cost for people vaccinated in line with STIKO recommendations; everyone else should ask their insurer whether it will reimburse them.

The Health Department's vaccination advice centre at Schwanthalerstraße 69 answers questions about vaccination by telephone on 233-66907, Monday to Friday from 11am to 12pm. Details of its services are available at www.muenchen.de/impfen, with further information at www.impfen-info.de.