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Flu vaccination at the pharmacy in Berlin

Who the flu vaccination is recommended to, when to have it, what it costs — and which Berlin pharmacies offer it.

As of: 21/08/2026Next review: 21/02/2027

Yes. Pharmacies have been allowed to give the flu vaccination for some years, independently of the extension of 2 July 2026. Pharmacies in Berlin offer it without a doctor’s appointment and without a referral. It is possible from the age of 18.

Who it is recommended to

The Ständige Impfkommission at the Robert Koch-Institut, Germany’s standing committee on vaccination, does not recommend it to everyone. Its 2026 recommendation names these groups:

  • people aged 60 and over
  • pregnant women from the second trimester, and earlier where there are pre-existing conditions
  • people with a chronic condition of the airways, heart and circulation, liver or kidneys, and people with diabetes or a weakened immune system
  • residents of care homes
  • people who live with or care for somebody in one of these groups
  • people at raised risk of infection at work, in nursing for example, or somewhere with a great deal of public contact
  • people in regular direct contact with pigs, poultry, wild birds or seals, at work or privately

If you belong to none of these groups, you can still be vaccinated. Whether it makes sense for you is something to discuss at the pharmacy or at your doctor’s practice.

When to have it

The usual window is October to mid-December. According to the Robert Koch-Institut, protection builds over about ten to fourteen days.

Later is not too late: while flu viruses are circulating, the vaccination can still be worthwhile. Nobody knows in advance how long a wave will run. You need the vaccination afresh every season, because the vaccine is matched each year to the viruses in circulation.

What it costs

If you belong to one of the recommended groups, your statutory health insurer pays, with no co-payment. Which groups those are exactly is set out in Annex 1 of the Schutzimpfungs-Richtlinie, the directive of the Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss.

Otherwise you normally pay yourself; some insurers refund it voluntarily. The price is set by each pharmacy. Ask there before your appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have the flu and the COVID-19 vaccination on the same day?

Yes. No interval between the two is needed; they are then given in different arms. According to the Robert Koch-Institut, the usual reactions to vaccination can be somewhat more noticeable. The pharmacy will mention this during the consultation.

I have a cold. Can I still be vaccinated?

A mild cold is normally no reason not to. From a temperature of 38.5 °C, or with an acute severe infection, the appointment is postponed. The Robert Koch-Institut says to give the vaccination as soon as possible afterwards. The pharmacy decides that on the spot, during the consultation.

I cannot tolerate egg protein.

Raise it before your appointment. Anyone who reacts only mildly to eating egg can, according to the Robert Koch-Institut, be given any licensed vaccine; for a severe allergy there is a cell-culture vaccine without egg protein. An allergy with anaphylactic reactions is a case for a doctor’s practice.

Do I need an appointment?

Some pharmacies vaccinate on the spot, others only at fixed vaccination times. With a booked appointment you know in advance that somebody has time for you.

Covered under conditions: the fund pays at a certain age or with a certain indication, otherwise you pay yourself. Your pharmacy will tell you which applies to you.

Information as of 21/08/2026

Pharmacies vaccinating against Flu

3 pharmacies have listed this vaccination.

Find a pharmacy in Berlin

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Sources

This page gives general information and names its sources. It does not replace medical or pharmaceutical advice. What is right in your case is something to settle at your pharmacy or doctor's practice.