Oktoberfest Introduces On-Site Flu and Corona Vaccinations: A New Health Initiative
Munich, September 29 – In a novel initiative, the City of Munich’s Health Department is offering flu and COVID-19 vaccinations directly at the Oktoberfest medical center, located behind the Schottenhammel tent. This marks the first time such a service has been provided at the world’s largest folk festival. While the full protective effect of the vaccines typically takes about two weeks to develop, meaning it will be effective after the festival concludes, the program aims to raise awareness among at-risk groups and boost overall vaccination rates.
Overwhelming Response to Vaccination Offer
Beatrix Zurek, Munich’s Head of Health, described the vaccination uptake as “overwhelmingly good.” In the first six days of the festival, 322 individuals received vaccinations at the medical center, where Aicher Ambulanz is administering the shots on behalf of the Health Department. This initiative is part of “Munich Vaccinates,” a broader vaccination campaign by the Health Department and the university hospitals of LMU and TUM.
Professor Christian Schulz, Deputy Head of the Center for Clinical Infectiology at the LMU Hospital, also hailed the vaccination offer as a “great success.” He noted that demand surpassed expectations, stating, “We had anticipated significantly less interest. The vaccine supply was depleted within a few days and had to be reordered.”
Who is Getting Vaccinated at the Oktoberfest?
The “Munich Vaccinates” program targets both festival-goers and the numerous staff working at the Oktoberfest. Waitstaff, showmen, security personnel, kitchen staff, and others face an elevated risk of infection due to their close contact with large crowds. The service is also available to international visitors.
Vaccinations are administered according to the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO). Professor Schulz emphasized that the offer primarily targets older individuals and those with pre-existing conditions. “For most young people at the Oktoberfest, there is no STIKO indication whatsoever, unless they have a chronic illness or live with a vulnerable, seriously ill person,” he clarified.
Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available, with the choice depending on individual circumstances and recommendations.
The Goal of the Vaccination Service
It takes approximately two weeks for the vaccines to provide full protection against viruses. Therefore, the primary goal of the service is not to protect visitors during the ongoing festival. Schulz explained, “This campaign is not intended to sterilize the Oktoberfest. Its purpose is to provide an accessible vaccination option and to increase overall vaccination willingness.”
Concerns were raised on social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube about intoxicated individuals being vaccinated without proper consent. Schulz firmly refuted these claims: “Naturally, no heavily intoxicated or drunk individuals are vaccinated. People are medically assessed, questioned, and informed – this is not a random act, but a normal medical service provided in a different location.”
Germany’s Low Vaccination Rates
Health Department Head Beatrix Zurek highlighted that Germany’s vaccination rates, even among at-risk groups such as individuals aged 75 and older, pregnant women, or those with chronic illnesses, are currently too low. Only about one-third of people for whom a STIKO flu vaccination is recommended have received it. For COVID-19, less than one-fifth of this group is vaccinated. Zurek noted that Germany significantly lags behind other European countries, such as Scandinavia, where over two-thirds of individuals with a STIKO recommendation are vaccinated.
According to Schulz, another objective of the campaign is to draw the attention of at-risk groups to the importance of vaccinations. “Many people struggle with the journey from receiving information to actually getting vaccinated – they need to be informed, convinced, and then find an accessible offer. The Oktoberfest is an ideal location for this: those who are convinced can get vaccinated easily there,” Schulz added.
Where to Get Vaccinated at the Oktoberfest
Individuals wishing to receive a vaccination can visit the medical center in the service area behind the Schottenhammel tent without an appointment. Vaccinations are offered:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Weekends: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Those seeking vaccination should bring their vaccination pass and health insurance card. Vaccinations will continue until the last day of Oktoberfest, October 4.
Source: BR24, City of Munich Health Department, LMU Hospital
