For the federal government, vaccination is still the best way out of the corona pandemic. From Tuesday, interested parties can now also get vaccinated in pharmacies nationwide. The following overview answers the most important questions about the campaign.
From Tuesday, those who want to be vaccinated can also be vaccinated against Covid-19 in one of around 500 pharmacies nationwide. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the campaign had already started the day before. The offer is voluntary and is intended to make work easier for medical practices and vaccination centers. It is the first vaccination that pharmacies can offer nationwide.
The respective management decides whether pharmacies will take part in the campaign. However, the Federal Union of German Pharmacy Associations is confident that the number of participating pharmacies will increase in the coming weeks. So far, more than 1,000 pharmacies have the necessary vaccination requirements. Around 6000 pharmacists are also trained for vaccination. A survey conducted by the association in December also shows that every second of the 18,500 pharmacies in Germany are in principle ready to carry out vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2.
Which pharmacies vaccinate against the corona virus?
To find a pharmacy near you that already offers vaccinations against Covid-19, it is worth taking a look on the Internet. The Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists recommends the portal “”. You can find all the pharmacies in your area by entering your zip code.
The pharmacy chambers of some federal states also offer separate searches for vaccinating pharmacies. This search filter is already available in , Baden-Württemberg is planning to implement it soon. The Pharmacy Chamber in Saarland provides one on its website, which is updated regularly.
What vaccines are used?
In principle, pharmacies can order any of the approved vaccines from Biontech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and Novavax. However, the AstraZeneca vaccine has not been available in Germany since December 1, while the first vaccinations with Novavax will probably not be available until the end of February.
A request from the German Pharmacist newspaper to the Ministry of Health shows that pharmacies have so far primarily ordered vaccines from Biontech/Pfizer and Moderna.
Who can be vaccinated in pharmacies?
According to the Federal Union of German Pharmacy Associations, pharmacies can have everyone over the age of twelve vaccinated. If a pharmacy has only completed medical training as part of a pilot project on flu vaccination, they can only vaccinate people over the age of 18 against Covid-19.
What do you need to bring?
As with a vaccination in the family doctor’s practice or in the vaccination center, those interested in vaccination should bring their identity card and vaccination card with them. If necessary, you should make an appointment by phone in advance. However, each pharmacy decides for itself whether this is really necessary. You will receive an explanation on site after you have given your consent.
As at all other contact points, vaccinations are also free in pharmacies. For more information, call your pharmacy or visit your pharmacy’s website.
Are vaccinations in pharmacies safe?
Yes. A prerequisite for the vaccination is several hours of theoretical and practical training by medical specialists. The pharmacists also learn first aid practices for an unlikely emergency. In addition, separate rooms must be set up and liability insurance taken out.
Pharmacies must report compliance with these standards to the competent state pharmacy chamber. In addition, vaccinations carried out are forwarded to the vaccination surveillance department of the Robert Koch Institute on a daily basis.
Sources:, , DPA
Source: Stern
