Covid-19 vaccinations
Information about coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 vaccination
The most effective protection against one's own serious or even fatal illness with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, is the corona vaccination. In addition, each vaccination helps to contain the spread of the coronavirus, helping to protect the entire population. This page provides information on eligibility and recommendation for vaccination, how to get a vaccination appointment, and the vaccination process.
Who is entitled to a vaccine?
Anyone who lives or works in Germany or who is usually resident in Germany is entitled to get a Covid-19 vaccine, regardless of their insurance coverage. The vaccines for the basic immunisation and the booster vaccinations are free for these people. Currently the costs are being covered by the german government.
Based on regulations regarding the admission of the vaccines, that are available in Germany, people from the age of 5 can get vaccinated.
Vaccination recommendation and schedule
To be protected against a severe COVID-19 course, a complete basic immunization is required. According to the recommendations of the STIKO, vaccination is given according to the following schedule:
If the period between the first and second dose of the vaccine is exceeded, the series of vaccinations should still be continued rather than started again from the first dose.
With regard to the use of the vaccines, the following STIKO recommendations currently apply:
Note: Individuals who have been fully vaccinated with the non-EU licensed vaccines CoronaVac from Sinovac, Covilo from Sinopharm, Covaxin from Bharat Biotech International Limited, or SputnikV from Gamelaya should undergo boosters with an mRNA vaccine 3 months after the last vaccine dose. They will then be considered fully vaccinated. However, those who have received only one vaccination dose with one of the above mentioned vaccines should receive a basic immunization and booster with a vaccine licensed in Germany.
Note on vaccinating children
Healthy children and adolescents aged 5 to 11 years should preferably be vaccinated with a single child dose of the Comirnaty vaccine from Biontech/Pfizer according to STIKO recommendations. For children and adolescents aged 5 to 11 years with contact with high-risk groups, the STIKO recommends a double vaccination with the Comirnaty children's vaccine from Biontech/Pfizer. The mRNA vaccine Spikevax from Moderna is also approved for children and adolescents aged 6 to 11 years.
For children and adolescents aged 5 to 11 years with previous disease or immunodeficiency, the STIKO recommends a double vaccination and two booster vaccinations with the Comirnaty children's vaccine from Biontech/Pfizer.
Note: The mRNA vaccine Spikevax from Moderna is also approved for children and adolescents aged 6 to 11 years.
The mRNA vaccine Comirnaty from Biontech/Pfizer, the mRNA vaccine Spikevax from Moderna and the vaccine Nuvaxovid are approved in the EU for children aged 12 years and older.
The STIKO recommends Corona vaccination, ideally with Comirnaty, with two doses for all children and adolescents 12 to 17 years of age. Healthy adolescents should receive one booster vaccination. For adolescents aged 12 to 17 years with previous disease should receive two booster vaccinations.
Especially those children and adolescents who have an increased risk of severe Covid-19 due to pre-existing conditions can benefit from a Covid-19 vaccination. This includes children and adolescents with the following deseases:
Children can now be vaccinated at immunization centers, as well as at the pediatrician's or family doctor's office. If you have any particular concerns or questions, it may be advisable for you to contact your child's pediatrician, as they know your child or their medical history best. He or she will be happy to advise you and also perform a risk-benefit assessment.
Note on vaccinating pregnant and breastfeeding women
Unvaccinated pregnant women from the 2nd trimester and unvaccinated breastfeeding women should receive Covid-19 vaccination with two doses of mRNA vaccine, preferably Cominaty. If pregnancy was established after the first vaccination, the second vaccination should not be administered until the 2nd trimester. Available study results on the safety of Corona vaccination during pregnancy or lactation do not show a clustered occurrence of undesirable side effects in mother and child.
If you have any particular concerns or questions, it may be advisable for you to contact your gynecologist or general practitioner, as they know you and your medical history best. He or she will be happy to advise you.
Booster vaccination
To whom is a booster vaccination recommended?
When should the booster vaccination take place?
*Nuvaxovid has not yet been approved for booster vaccination, but may still be used for booster vaccination in persons 12 years of age and older if contraindicated to mRNA vaccines.
If you have any particular concerns or questions, it may be advisable for you to contact your general practitioner. He or she will advise you the best regarding the booster vaccination.
2nd booster vaccination
To whom is a 2nd booster vaccination recommended?
The STIKO recommends a second booster vaccination to the following persons:
When should the 2nd booster vaccination take place?
Individuals in the above groups who have experienced a SARS-CoV-2 infection after the 1st booster vaccination are not recommended to receive another booster vaccination.
How you will receive your Covid-19 vaccination
Currently, the vaccination can be claimed in most medical practices and private doctors. Vaccination is also offered by company physicians in some cases. In addition, qualified pharmacists may also vaccinate against COVID-19. You can find participating pharmacies in your area here
Persons in nursing facilities and homes are mainly vaccinated against COVID-19 by mobile vaccination teams. Persons who are not mobile and live at home can also be vaccinated by their local family doctor.
You can find out where there are vaccination facilities and vaccination campaigns in your federal state on the
Note: Nursing facilities coordinate Corona vaccination within the facility with the agencies responsible in the federal states with the help of mobile vaccination teams. Corona vaccination via the company physician is coordinated by each company itself. Your employer will approach you should vaccination be offered in your company.
You must bring the following documents with you for your Covid-19 vaccination:
