COVID-19 Vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccination is the most effective protection against severe disease courses. We vaccinate according to current STIKO recommendations.
- STIKO-recommended
- ~30 min incl. observation
Who should be vaccinated against COVID?
The COVID-19 vaccination is the most effective protection against severe disease courses, hospital stays, and deaths. STIKO currently recommends vaccination especially for people 60+, chronically ill people, pregnant women, healthcare and care workers, and people in close contact with high-risk individuals. The annual booster is recommended in autumn. We vaccinate according to current STIKO recommendations and use approved mRNA vaccines.
Why Should I Get Vaccinated Against Covid-19?
Effective and safe vaccinations can help limit the spread of coronavirus. Vaccination establishes a decisive form of protection — herd immunity — thereby substantially reducing the risk of severe COVID-19 illness.
VACCINATION SCHEDULE
How the Vaccination Works
The vaccination is administered exclusively into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm, using a very fine injection needle. If you are taking anticoagulant medication, the injection site will be compressed for at least 2 minutes after the vaccination. Allergies are also enquired about during the vaccination consultation. If you have an allergy passport, please bring it with you to your vaccination appointment. Where possible, you should not receive any other vaccination 14 days before the start or after the end of the vaccination course. Emergency vaccinations are exempt from this. A post-vaccination observation period of at least 15 minutes is recommended.
Further information from STIKO can be found here.
How Do the Individual Covid-19 Vaccines Work?
How the mRNA vaccines from BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna work:
The vaccines from BioNTech and Moderna belong to the newer class of mRNA vaccines, which are produced using genetic engineering. mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) is the “blueprint” for every individual protein in the human body. mRNA vaccines against coronavirus contain the “blueprint” for only one part of the virus: the spike protein on its outer envelope. This protein is not infectious and does not transmit the disease.
The mRNA contained in the vaccine is broken down by your body within a few days and does not enter the human genetic material, the DNA. The muscle cells around the injection site produce the spike protein. Your immune system recognises it as a foreign body, activates defence cells, and produces antibodies and immune cells against the spike protein of the coronavirus. Should you become infected with coronavirus, your body will recognise the spike protein and combat it.
What Are the Risks of the Vaccination?
Most commonly, the stimulation of your body’s own immune defences may cause redness or swelling at the injection site, which can also be painful. Your body may also respond with general reactions such as fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain, or chills/fever. These symptoms typically subside within a few days of the vaccination. We are happy to advise you at one of our avi practices regarding possible vaccination reactions and side effects, and on how best to manage them should they occur.
In advance, you will find further information on the side effects of the individual vaccines here:
STIKO information leaflet on COVID-19 vaccination with mRNA vaccine
Information leaflet on COVID-19 vaccination with vector vaccine
VACCINATION PROCESS
How the Vaccination Works
We provide comprehensive information about the vaccination and are available for all your questions.
- 1
Information Consultation
We inform you about the vaccination, possible side effects, and answer all your questions.
~10 min
- 2
History & Vaccination Advice
We review your vaccination status, pre-existing conditions, and allergies to ensure safe administration.
~5 min
- 3
Vaccination
The vaccination is administered with minimal pain into the upper arm muscle.
~2 min
- 4
Observation Period
You stay in the practice briefly for safety so we can react immediately to rare immediate reactions.
~15 min
PREPARATION & AFTERCARE
Preparation & Aftercare
Before the appointment
Bring your vaccination record
So we can verify your vaccination status and document the new vaccination.
Clarify acute illnesses
We postpone vaccination in case of fever or acute infections. Please let us know in advance.
After the appointment
Take it easy
Avoid intense physical exertion and sports for 1-2 days.
Normal reactions
Local redness, swelling, or mild fever are normal and usually subside within 1-3 days.
Report severe symptoms
For shortness of breath, circulatory problems, or persistent high fever, contact a doctor immediately.
Side effects
Costs & insurance
Covered by statutory insurance
Standard coverage for all statutory health insurance members.
Private / self-pay
from €49