Slowly, things are moving forward with vaccinations in Hesse. Although still too slow, but still you can say: it goes forward. Today, the second phase of the Frankfurt vaccination campaign was ushered in! In the morning, the vaccination centre in the Festhalle opened its doors to the first vaccinees - as one of six regional vaccination centres in Hesse. Previously, vaccinations were exclusively in the hands of mobile vaccination teams.
A total of 500 vaccine doses were available for the kick-off at the fair - a very manageable number, far below what could be vaccinated here every day. First in line were Odores (90) and Gisela (91) - the two Frankfurt residents were personally welcomed by Lord Mayor Peter Feldmann and Head of Health Stefan Majer.
Lord Mayor Peter Feldmann said, "For me, this was a very touching moment today. The vaccination center opens its doors to the people we especially need to protect from the virus. I was able to personally welcome the first two vaccinated people. The vaccination really means a lot to them. Especially the older ones avoid contact for fear of infection. I am pleased that the vaccination is now giving these people back an important piece of their quality of life. At the same time, I sincerely hope that the difficulties in getting appointments will soon be a thing of the past - and then hopefully more vaccine will be available."
Health department head Stefan Majer added: "Thanks to the professional and reliable cooperation of everyone involved in the preparations, the vaccination centre can start today. Finally, we can expand our vaccination offer. For all those who cannot be vaccinated now, the following still applies: keep your distance and put on masks."
"There has never been a vaccination campaign of this kind in Germany before. The launch of the Frankfurt Vaccination Center is the decisive step in the fight against the COovid 19 pandemic. We are happy to take a big step forward with the opening today. We are trying to vaccinate an entire country within a short period of time. This is a challenge for everyone," said the head of the Frankfurt health department Prof. René Gottschalk.
Elderly people in particular need help with registration, Feldmann and Majer said. Their appeal to Frankfurt residents: "Don't just look to your own parents and grandparents. Some, unfortunately, don't have relatives or acquaintances who can help with registration. Perhaps there is someone in your neighborhood or in the home of parents who would be happy to have your assistance with the formalities - or if you make contact with the city's assistance services."
And so it goes
The number of vaccinations at the Festival Hall is expected to rise quickly! As early as Wednesday, nearly 1,000 very old people will be cared for there. The plan: 11,725 vaccinations by the end of January. The goal is clear, said Feldmann, Majer and Gottschalk: all people who want a vaccination should be vaccinated in the next few months in the specified order of the recommendations of the Standing Commission on Vaccination (STIKO).
At the start on 19 January, two of the existing five vaccination lines or 17 of 43 vaccination booths were in operation. The Frankfurt vaccination center is designed for 4000 vaccinations per day. Time required per vaccination: about one hour - including 30 minutes of rest to rule out allergic reactions.
The vaccinations are carried out by the German Red Cross in the exhibition hall under the auspices of the health department.
Dierk Dallwitz, Managing Director DRK Bezirksverband Frankfurt am Main said, "Organizationally, this was a challenge. Together we worked towards it with all those involved, the city of Frankfurt, the health department, the trade fair and the fire brigade. Our employees are well prepared for this big task of vaccinating the people of Frankfurt and the surrounding area according to the recommendations of the Standing Commission on Vaccination (STIKO)."
You have a vaccination appointment? You need to know
The entrance to the Festhalle via the "Eingang City" entrance is easy to find. As soon as you get off the subway, you can take the escalator straight up to the registration area of the vaccination center. And if you get off the tram, you can see the entrance directly. The way is additionally signposted.
In addition, there is an entrance only for vaccination-eligible persons with a mobility restriction, for example a walking disability, who have to arrive by car: Access will then be via TOR OST in Brüsseler Straße, or via TOR NORD in Theodor-Heuss-Allee. At both gates, the vaccination entitlement of immobile persons entitled to vaccination will be checked in order to be able to enter. For these vaccination-eligible persons, parking space P 1 will be kept available next to the Festhalle.
Only one accompanying person is allowed at a time to assist patients.
Drinks will not be served at the vaccination center. You must bring them with you if needed.
Please DO NOT travel if you do NOT have an immunization appointment! Those without an appointment will not be granted access to the Immunization Center.
For information on how to travel by public transportation, please visit https://festhalle.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/de/anreise.html
Further Frankfurt-specific questions and answers about Corona can be found at https://frankfurt.en/service-and-city-hall/administration/aemter-and-institutions/main-office-and-city-marketing/buergerbuero-and-honorary-office/coronavirus--questions-and-answers
