Seasonal house call · Vaccination
Flu Shot Berlin House Call
Flu Shot Berlin House Call is a seasonal health occasion for which RAB Arztbesuche provides a licensed physician on a home visit anywhere in Berlin — daily from 6 am to midnight, usually within 60 to 90 minutes.
The flu shot is the single most important measure against severe influenza, especially for patients over 60, the chronically ill, pregnant women and medical staff. We vaccinate at a house call — at home, in the office, at a hotel or as a team vaccination day at your company. The optimal window in Berlin is between early October and late November, before the wave starts.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Flu shot in Berlin — timing and vaccine choice
The Berlin flu wave usually starts between mid-December and early January and peaks in February. To build immune protection in time, the STIKO recommends vaccination in October and November — two to four weeks before the expected wave. Vaccinating in September gives sufficient protection by November; vaccinating in December means full effect only kicks in once the wave is already escalating. We of course still vaccinate in December and January for previously unvaccinated patients — better late than never.
We come to you with the appropriate vaccine. For patients aged 60 and over the STIKO now recommends the high-dose vaccine (HD-QIV) as standard — it contains four times the antigen and produces a markedly higher immune response. For younger adults, children from 6 months, pregnant women from the second trimester and medical staff we use the quadrivalent standard vaccine. The shot is given into the deltoid muscle, followed by 15 minutes of observation for rare allergic reactions. An anaphylaxis emergency kit is always with us. A GOÄ invoice via our Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle is issued at the appointment.
Who benefits most — STIKO indications
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for: everyone aged 60 and over (high-dose vaccine), pregnant women from the second trimester (from the first if chronically ill), people with chronic diseases of the heart, lung, kidney, liver, immune system, diabetes mellitus, neurological diseases, trisomy 21, medical and care staff, residents of care homes, people with increased exposure (e.g. poultry workers, teachers). When the risk is occupational, many employers cover the cost — we issue the GOÄ invoice accordingly.
Safety — what to know
The flu shot is very safe. Common side effects are local reactions at the injection site (redness, soreness), mild malaise in the first 1 to 2 days. Severe allergic reactions are rare and usually appear within the first minutes — hence the observation. With an acute febrile infection we postpone the shot for a few days. With proven severe egg-protein allergy we choose appropriate vaccine variants and vaccinate under special precautions if needed. For acute shortness of breath, swelling of lips or tongue or circulatory collapse after vaccination, call 112 immediately — we remain reachable by phone.
How the flu shot house call works
You call, agree on an appointment — arrival in Berlin 60 to 90 minutes, same-day appointments often possible. For company vaccination days we vaccinate 10 to 30 people on site by arrangement.
On site: brief history (allergies, acute illness, previous vaccine reactions), written informed consent, injection into the deltoid, entry in the vaccination passport, 15 minutes observation. GOÄ invoice via the Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle.
Emergency? Dial the emergency number
If unconscious, with severe chest pain, breathlessness or heavy bleeding, dial 112 immediately. Our service complements the emergency services — it does not replace them.
Case profiles
Typical scenarios
Senior at home
82-year-old patient with heart failure, limited mobility. We vaccinate with the high-dose vaccine, document in the vaccination passport and advise on pneumococcal and COVID boosters.
Team vaccination day at the office
Berlin law firm with 25 employees. We come for one morning, vaccinate in structured order and issue a consolidated invoice to accounting.
Pregnant in second trimester
Pregnant woman with pre-existing condition, advice on vaccination during pregnancy, standard vaccine, entry into maternity and vaccination passport.
Care worker with chronic illness
Nurse with diabetes, annual booster. We vaccinate and document for the employer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get the flu and COVID shots at the same time?
Yes, this is permitted by STIKO. We usually give the shots in different upper arms or with some time between them on the same day. The combination does not meaningfully affect the immune response.
What does private health insurance cover?
GOÄ charges for the flu shot at a house call are usually reimbursed. We issue the invoice so that submission runs smoothly.
Does it still make sense to get a flu shot in January?
Yes. The Berlin flu wave often lasts until late March, sometimes into April. Vaccinating in January builds relevant protection within two weeks — better late than never.
What if I get a fever after the shot?
Mild fever is common and harmless, sometimes paracetamol-worthy. For high fever over 39 °C, shortness of breath, rash or persistent malaise, call us — we will clarify.