Flu vaccination in Hofheim am Taunus

Why get vaccinated every year?

Influenza viruses change constantly. The vaccine is therefore updated every year to match the circulating strains, and protection fades after a few months. Last year’s shot is not enough.

Who does the STIKO recommend the flu shot for?

Germany’s Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends the annual shot in particular for:

• everyone aged 60 and over
• pregnant women – from the first trimester if they have a pre-existing condition, otherwise from the second
• people with chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart, kidney or liver disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system
• residents of nursing and care homes
• people who could infect others or have a lot of contact with high-risk patients, for example medical and care staff or relatives of at-risk people

The best time

The best time is in autumn, between October and mid-December. Full protection builds up within about two weeks. Getting vaccinated later in the season is still worthwhile as long as the flu wave has not passed.

How the vaccination works at our practice

• A short conversation: we check your vaccination status and any reasons not to vaccinate.
• We recommend the vaccine that suits your age and situation. For people aged 60 and over, the STIKO recommends a high-dose or adjuvanted vaccine.
• The injection takes only a few seconds and is given in the upper arm.
• Please bring your vaccination record and insurance card. We can often catch up on other vaccinations at the same visit, such as Covid-19, pneumococcal or shingles.

Side effects

Usually mild and gone within one to two days: redness, swelling or pain at the injection site, sometimes tiredness, headache or muscle aches. If you have an acute illness with a fever, we postpone the shot. A cold without fever is no obstacle.

Cost

Statutory health insurance covers the cost for people for whom the STIKO recommends the vaccination. Privately insured patients should check reimbursement with their insurer. If the shot is required for work, the employer usually pays.

Frequently asked questions

• When is the best time for a flu shot?

  In autumn, ideally between October and mid-December. Protection is complete after about two weeks. A shot later in the season still makes sense.

• Can the flu shot give me the flu?

  No. The vaccines used in Germany contain no viruses that can multiply. Mild symptoms such as tiredness or a sore arm are a normal immune response and pass quickly.

• Does health insurance cover the flu shot?

  For everyone the STIKO recommends it for – from age 60, during pregnancy, with chronic conditions and with increased occupational risk – statutory insurers cover the cost. Privately insured patients should check reimbursement beforehand.

• Do I need an appointment?

  Please book online or by phone so you do not have to wait long.

• Can I have it on the same day as a Covid-19 vaccination?

  Yes. The flu shot can be given on the same day as a Covid-19 vaccine and other inactivated vaccines, usually in different arms. We will discuss whether that makes sense for you.

• I have had the flu before. Do I still need the shot?

  Yes. Immunity after an infection does not last long and does not protect against the strains circulating next year. There are also several influenza viruses.