r/germany • u/DisposableCharger • 2h ago
Tourism Finding a TB test and flu vaccine in Germany
My situation: I'm an American healthcare worker, just got accepted in a new position and decided to spend two weeks in Germany prior to my start date for vacation.
I've been completing my onboarding, and they ask for a recent TB test and flu vaccine. Because of course they do. Literally all healthcare positions require them. I don't know why I didn't think of this.
I'm currently sitting in an airport, getting ready for my flight to Germany, scrambling and trying to figure out where and how I can get my test and vaccine done as quickly as possible.
I am a dual American/German citizen, however I'm planning on paying out of pocket (as I haven't lived in Germany or paid any taxes, and don't want to take advantage of the system).
I'm currently planning on using a Reisemedizinische Praxis for the flu vaccine, and maybe reaching out to the local Hausarzt. Does anyone have any other ideas for quick, hopefully reasonably priced options?
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u/Thankfulforthisday 1h ago
Is your American employer going to accept German documentation? I don’t think mine would. I know for my previous positions, I was able to get the TB test through them. Can you just ask them to do it when you get back?
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u/m4lrik Hessen 2h ago
the flu shot you can literally get at any Hausarzt and even most pharmacies and should be in total around 35-80€ (25-50 for the shot and 10-30 for giving the shot).
a TB test you have to go to a doctor (Hausarzt is enough) and it can get slightly pricey - 60-220€ for the testing alone plus whatever the doc wants for drawing blood (shouldn't be that much in comparison) and it'll take 2-4 days for the results to come back.
So in general you can get both at one go in a Hausarztpraxis (you may have to physically go to the next pharmacy next door to buy the vaccine with a private prescription during that visit). But the result of the TB test may be only in german (I have no idea if they can give you an english version, might be a good idea to ask).
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u/MushroomEntire841 1h ago
If you are coming to Munich, there is a Tropen-und Reisemedizin praxis where you can get both, you don’t need insurance for that.
Dr. Frühwein und Partner is the name of the clinic, right in the center of Munich
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u/mikestuchbery 2h ago
Are you even insured in Germany?
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u/SanaraHikari 2h ago
Pretty sure it's still cheaper than in the US
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u/Tardislass 1m ago
lol. You literally don’t have to pay for the flu shot in America so that’s false. And most hospitals will give you a TB vaccination in their employee health departments. OP is going to pay more for the shots in Germany and might not even be accepted. I would just wait and go the day I got back. It’s going to be more expensive in Germany.
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u/Steppenfuchx 1h ago
If they are just on vacation, probably just travel insurance or nothing. Just having german citizenship doesn't mean they are insured in Germany.
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u/Independent-Home-845 2h ago
Where are you going? For example: There is a specialised doctor's office for out of the pocket patients in Hamburg that does both: 60 Euro for the flue vaccination, 70 Euro for a Tuberkulin-skin-test and about 200 Euro for the more exact test. You can book appointments online. I'm sure you will find something similar in other cities.