At last there is some relief from Swine Flu scare which has been declared as a pandemic across the globe. In Germany around 23,000 people are infected with swine flu and it is predicted to spread further this Autumn and Winter. Three people have already succumbed to this deadly H1N1 virus.
As a measure several German states have already started with vaccinations against Swine Flu on 26th October 2009.
Who will get vaccinated in the First phase of Immunization?
- Medical Workers - as they come in contact with more H1N1 Infected people
- Police Officers
- Fire Workers
- People suffering from Chronic diseases like Asthma, Diabetes etc.
- Pregnant woman
- Pop Stars who travel a lot and perform with huge crowds.
I am a normal person, When can I get Vaccination?
The Normal Public will have to wait till the end of Novemeber to get vaccinated.
Who will pay for the Vaccinations?
According to http://www.neuegrippe.bund.de and http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/ischgkvlv/index.html, the expenses are born by the private and public insurances one is insured with. So no worries of burning out your pockets.
Whom should I contact for vaccinations?
NRW: 0180-310 02 10
Rheinland Pfalz: 06131-16 52 00
Saarland: 0681-501 36 94 and 0681-501 36 95
Sachsen: 030-346465100 (http://www.gesunde.sachsen.de/5786.html)
Sachsen-Anhalt: 0391-537 71 11
Schleswig-Holstein: 0431-160 66 66
Thüringen: 0361-37 74 30 99
Baden-Württemberg: 01805-633 22 5
Bayern: 089-31 56 01 01
Bremen: 0421-36114444 (Bremerhaven: 0471-59614444)
Hamburg: 040-428 37 37 95
Hessen: 0800-440 05 50
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: www.regierung-mv.de
Niedersachsen: 0511-450 55 55
Contact the above Hotlines for more information on Vaccination Program in your state. You can also contact your Local Health Office (Gesundheitsamt).
I think this step towards Swine flu has a got a sign of relief in people and a new hope to beat the H1N1 virus. Yet there seem to be growing unwillingness to get vaccinated in Germany because of rumored risks associated with it. According to one survey every one-fifth is unwilling to get vaccinated. But dont believe in rumors, vaccination is a must for everyone though it is left to the individuals discretion.
The famous adage goes this way:
"Prevention is better than Cure"
References: www.bild.de
www.thelocal.de
