Getting Your Shots: Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations Push in Hamburg
Hamburg's social welfare authorities and medical professionals are urging residents to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19, aligning with expert recommendations. Melanie Schlotzhauer, the Social Affairs Senator for the SPD, and Pedram Emami, the President of the Hamburg Medical Association, appealed to people aged 60 and above, as well as those with pre-existing conditions, to get their flu shots.
The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) suggests annual flu vaccinations for pregnant women in their second trimester and individuals at a higher risk of infection, including medical staff. According to the social authority, these vaccines can be administered simultaneously with COVID-19 boosters, while protection against other respiratory infections like pneumococci and whooping cough should also be maintained [1].
As highlighted by Schlotzhauer and Emami, unvaccinated individuals, especially those with underlying health conditions, are more susceptible to severe diseases like flu, which can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia [1].
The German vaccination campaign has prioritized various vaccines, including Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson. STIKO has made specific recommendations for high-risk groups, such as pregnant women and children under 30 who should receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine due to heart inflammation concerns with the Moderna vaccine [2].
Adequate vaccination practices are essential to protect against both flu and COVID-19, with the Robert Koch Institute outlining guidelines for simultaneous administration of flu and COVID-19 vaccines [3]. These guidelines include a minimum 14-day interval between flu and COVID-19 mRNA injections to ensure proper immune response, and studies showing minimal reactogenicity events (mostly mild to moderate) from co-administrating COVID-19 mRNA vaccines with the seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine [3].
Hamburg's healthcare workers have seen a partial vaccine mandate in mid-March 2022, while a broader mandate for people aged 60 and over was rejected in the Bundestag [2]. It is essential to consult local health authorities for the latest information on regional variations in vaccination strategies and availability [1].
By following these guidelines, you can ensure proper protection against both flu and COVID-19, particularly if you are part of a high-risk group. Stay informed, prioritize your health, and safeguard your wellbeing in these trying times.
[1] Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations in Germany. (n.d.). Retrieved January 30, 2023, from [2] Flood, J. (2022, March 10). Germany bans unvaccinated health workers from treating patients in some cases. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from [3] Simultaneous administration of Flu and COVID-19 vaccines based on Moderna mRNA platform. (2022, March 22). Retrieved January 30, 2023, from
