The season of coughs, colds and coronavirus is upon us and cases are rising as expected. If you’re looking to get a coronavirus vaccine or booster in Germany this autumn, here’s what you should know.

New BioNTech / Pfizer vaccine launched in Germany

Since August 12, 2024, a new BioNTech / Pfizer vaccine against coronavirus has been available in Germany. The new vaccine should be received in three doses and is safe for almost every age group; people over the age of 12, children aged between five and 11 years old, as well as babies and toddlers between six months and four years old.

This new vaccine can be administered as a first vaccine or as a booster and has been developed to provide better protection against the JN.1 Omicron variant. KP.3, a subvariant of JN.1, is currently the dominant variant of coronavirus in Germany.

Does the Krankenkasse cover your corona booster?

In the initial coronavirus vaccine rollouts of 2020 and 2021, anyone in Germany could get vaccinated regardless of their health insurance coverage status, so that the maximum number of people in the country could reach “basic immunity”.

“Basic immunity” to coronavirus is achieved through three contacts with the coronavirus pathogen, through vaccination or infection, but at least one of these contacts should be via vaccination.

It is still the case that if you have not been vaccinated against coronavirus or have not received a booster, your health insurance provider will cover the costs in Germany. 

However, only if you meet the so-called STIKO (Ständige Impfkommission or Standing Committee on Vaccination) guidelines are you also entitled to receive an annual booster vaccination every autumn, which is covered by your health insurance. The following groups are entitled to an annual Auffrischungsimpfung (booster):

• People over the age of 60.
• Anyone living in a care home.
• People over the age of 6 months old with an underlying health condition.
• Anyone over the age of 18 who is more at risk of catching coronavirus because of their work e.g. in a hospital or care home.
• Family members and contact persons of anyone over the age of 6 months who aren't expected to have an immune response after receiving a coronavirus vaccine.

Additionally, your Krankenkasse will cover the costs of an annual booster vaccination if your doctor considers it medically necessary for you to have one.

Different statutory health insurance providers and private health insurance providers have different policies when it comes to vaccinations they will cover, so it may also be worth checking with your specific provider about their policy on annual coronavirus boosters.

Where can I get a coronavirus vaccine in autumn 2024 in Germany?

You can get a first coronavirus vaccine, booster or annual Auffrischungsimpfung at your doctor’s office (Hausarzt) in Germany.

It is also possible to get vaccinated at some pharmacies, but not all. Via the ApoGuide app, you can find out which pharmacies near you offer the service.

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