Overview

• On 8 October, the nationwide “Long Night of Vaccinations” will keep pharmacies, medical practices and workplace clinics open into the evening for flu and COVID shots, with 356 partners listed by organizers.
• The campaign targets convenience for working people and those without a GP, with many locations vaccinating without appointments and some opening until about 21:00.
• Only about 38% of people over 60 received a flu shot in 2023/24, far below the WHO’s 75% benchmark, according to the Robert Koch Institute.
• A Civey survey for Verband Pharma Deutschland reports declining vaccine enthusiasm, including a drop among 18–29‑year‑olds and 67.5% saying they do not plan a COVID booster this season.
• Health Minister Nina Warken urges more vaccinations and says planned pharmacy reform would extend pharmacists’ remit to all inactivated vaccines, though staffing and legal constraints limit participation in some areas.