Germany’s pharmacy associations are issuing a renewed call for influenza vaccination as concerns mount over dwindling vaccine supplies and a potential surge in cases coinciding with the upcoming Carnival celebrations. Thomas Preis, President of the Federal Association of German Pharmacists’ Associations, warned against underestimating the severity of influenza infections, citing Robert Koch Institute (RKI) data indicating 225 deaths this season, with 95% of victims aged 60 or older.
Preis emphasized that it is “not too late” for vulnerable populations – individuals with pre-existing conditions, those over 60 and pregnant women – to receive vaccination. However, his statement simultaneously highlighted a troubling crisis within the national immunization program: a severe shortage of influenza vaccine.
The scarcity has reportedly escalated to a point where certain vaccine types are completely unavailable and supplies specifically designated for the over-60s demographic are critically low. A particularly alarming detail reveals that pharmacies are now resorting to securing emergency supply authorizations from Italy to maintain minimal levels of essential vaccine provision.
This situation raises critical questions about Germany’s preparedness for seasonal influenza outbreaks and the efficacy of its procurement strategies. The reliance on emergency imports exposes vulnerabilities in the domestic supply chain and potentially foreshadows broader challenges in securing adequate medical resources. Opposition politicians are already signaling their intent to scrutinize the government’s handling of the vaccine procurement process, questioning whether budgetary constraints or strategic miscalculations contributed to the current shortage. Furthermore, the timing of the crisis, directly ahead of the traditionally high-risk Carnival period, intensifies concerns about a significant strain on the healthcare system.
The situation demands an urgent review of national health planning and a commitment to ensuring sufficient vaccine availability to protect vulnerable populations and mitigate the societal impact of influenza season.