Tuesday, October 28, 2025

“Together We Can Achieve More”: Broad Initiative Launches to Promote Easy Access to Vaccinations in Local Pharmacies

Vaccination rates in Germany remain too low – especially among older adults. Only 38.2 percent of people over 60 received a flu shot during the 2023/24 season, while the WHO and EU recommend a rate of at least 75 percent. Experts agree that low-threshold access and greater public awareness are key to improving vaccination uptake.

Pharmacies play a crucial role in this effort, offering local accessibility, flexibility, and direct patient contact. IhreApotheken.de (iA.de) – Germany’s largest pharmacy network with over 7,500 members – has now joined forces with major industry partners to strengthen vaccination services in pharmacies.

At the expopharm trade fair, iA.de launched a new digital tool designed to simplify the vaccination process for both pharmacies and patients – from appointment booking to billing. However, Managing Director Simon Bücher emphasizes: “No single tool or player alone will be able to raise vaccination rates to the necessary level.”

On October 8, the initiative will culminate in the “Long Night of Vaccinations”, where companies and associations join forces under the motto “Together We Can Achieve More” to promote convenient vaccination opportunities in pharmacies. The initiative is supported by Alliance Health Care, Hubert Burda Media, GSK, IhreApotheken.de, May & Bauer, Moderna, MSD, NOWEDA, Pfizer, Pharma Deutschland, and Sanofi.

With video statements on social media and targeted awareness campaigns, the initiative aims to highlight the importance of preventive healthcare.

Dr. Manuel Plommer, Medical Head Vaccines Germany & Austria at Sanofi, states:

“As a leading vaccine manufacturer, Sanofi takes responsibility for strengthening Germany’s vaccination infrastructure. Through our partnership with IhreApotheken.de, we aim to expand low-threshold vaccination access and enable more people to receive important vaccinations such as the flu shot.”

Moderna has also announced a strategic partnership with iA.de, including a pilot project with pharmacies and physicians focusing on RSV vaccinations.

Dorothee Brakmann, CEO of Pharma Deutschland, adds:

“Raising vaccination rates strengthens protection against infectious diseases and relieves pressure on our healthcare system. Low-threshold vaccination offers make a vital contribution to better prevention.”

Dr. Kai Richter, Medical Head GSK Germany, explains:

“Pharmacies are key partners in bringing prevention into people’s everyday lives. By supporting initiatives such as the ‘Long Night of Vaccinations’, we create real public health value and contribute to the resilience of our healthcare system.”

Dr. Michael Kuck, CEO of NOWEDA, points out:

“With fewer general practitioners available, local pharmacies play an increasingly critical role in improving vaccination coverage.”

Conclusion:
The initiative demonstrates the strength of collaboration across the healthcare sector. Pharmacies are becoming an essential pillar of a modern vaccination strategy in Germany.