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HEALTH

How to get the flu vaccine for free in Vienna this winter

If you live or work in Vienna, you can get a free vaccine against the flu this winter.

Published: 21 October 2021 13:01 CEST
Woman getting a vaccine
The flu vaccine not only gives you protection but could potentially help ease pressure on Vienna's healthcare services. File photo: Gustavo Fring/Pexels

The City of Vienna is providing 450,000 free flu vaccinations this year in a bid to reduce demand on the health service during the winter months.

From November 2nd, people that live or work in Vienna will be able to access a free flu vaccination.

The City of Vienna is rolling out the winter campaign to support the city’s health service during the coming winter months as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. The campaign will run until March 31st 2021. 

Even people that live in another federal state can receive a free flu vaccination if they work or study in Vienna.

Children aged between six months and 15 years are already eligible for a free flu jab wherever they live in Austria, and other groups such as over-60s or healthcare staff are often eligible to get the vaccine for free, but in Vienna anyone can get the jab cost-free.

READER QUESTION: How do I get a flu vaccine in Austria?

In a Tweet, Mayor of Vienna Michael Ludwig said the free vaccinations are “part of the social services that guarantee everyone access to medical care and prevention in our city.”

Peter Hacker, City Councillor for Health, said: “Our healthcare system is still being challenged by the corona pandemic. In addition to self-protection, a flu vaccination is also an important contribution to protecting others and to keeping the burden on our hospitals and our healthcare system as low as possible.”

The Vienna Medical Association is expecting a strong flu season this year after a lull last winter due to the Covid-19 lockdown and restrictions which limited the spread of flu as well.

READ MORE: Covid-19 in Austria: Follow the latest developments this week

Thomas Szekeres, President of the Vienna Medical Association, said: “Like Corona, the flu can be prevented by a vaccination. I therefore appeal to everyone – go to your family doctor, take your child to your paediatrician or to a vaccination centre and get vaccinated against the flu.”

Flu vaccinations will take place at 11 locations across the city, including doctor’s clinics, the Austria Centre Vienna and in nursing homes.

Vaccination appointments can be made online from October 25th 2021 at impfservice.wien or by calling 1450.

Vienna flu vaccination locations

1020 Vienna, Karmelitergasse 9, 1st floor                                       

1030 Vienna, Thomas-Klestil-Platz 8/2

1120 Vienna, Am Schöpfwerk 29/11 / R10

1150 Vienna, Gasgasse 8-10

1180 Vienna, Martinstraße 100, 1st floor

1210 Vienna, Wassermanngasse 7                               

1220 Vienna, Schrödingerplatz (entrance VHS)

1220 Vienna, Austria Center Vienna 

ÖGK:

1210 Vienna, Karl-Aschenbrenner-Gasse 3 (7.45am – 1.45pm)

1100 Vienna, Wienerbergstraße 15-19 (8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)

KFA:

1210 Vienna, Franz-Jonas-Platz 8/1/2

Monday to Thursday from 8am to 3pm, and on Friday from 8am to 2pm.

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HEALTH

What do you do in Austria if your nearest pharmacy is closed?

It's nine pm in Austria, and you're out of painkillers or decongestants. You're desperate for pain relief but your local Apotheke is shut, so what do you do?

Published: 12 December 2023 11:59 CET
What do you do in Austria if your nearest pharmacy is closed?

In Austria Apotheken (pharmacies) are the only places in which you can purchase painkillers and decongestants. Ostensibly in the public interest, but it’s also a lucrative moneymaker for the businesses. This monopoly on the sale of certain pharmaceutical drugs is a subject frequently debated and is of much consternation for overseas arrivals. 

READ MORE: Why are painkillers only sold in pharmacies in Austria?

However, many Apotheken can close as early as six pm, especially if you live outside a major city centre. If you’re suffering from a cold or a nasty headache, it can seem like an eternity until they reopen. 

Fortunately, there is relief. Emergency situations will always arise, and pharmacies often band together to provide service at nights, over weekends and on public holidays.

This is done on a rota basis, so your local Apotheke may not be open, there will be a Apotheken-Notdienst (Emergency-service pharmacy) within a 5 – 10km range. 

Often, Apotheken will have a sign or screen out the front that gives the address and opening times for Apotheken-Notdienst in the area, updated frequently.

A number of websites also exist that can give you the location of operating Apotheken-Notdienst across Austria, such as APO24.at. Entering your PLZ (or postcode) will list the nearest to you. 

However, if they don’t have online access, dialling 1455 while put you in touch with a service who can either direct you to the Apotheken-Notdienst on duty, or help you in getting you further assistance. 

If all else fails, your local hospital should have a Notfall-Praxis – ostensibly an emergency doctor service out of hours. If you’re prepared to wait, you will be able to see a doctor, and they can either dispense medication, or direct you to the hospital pharmacy with a prescription. 

Before you go, it’s worth brushing up on your vocabulary. The Local has developed a list of vocabulary and phrases that you can use to describe your symptoms to pharmacists and doctors, to help them prescribe the best possible medication.

READ MORE: Colds and flu: What to say if you get sick in Austria

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