If everything goes according to plan, vaccinations against the Corona virus will begin in Germany on 27 December. This is not yet set in stone, but one thing is clear: it will start soon. And that is why the vaccination centres in Hesse are also in the starting blocks to be able to react as quickly as possible to the possible approval of the first vaccine. In Frankfurt, a vaccination centre has been set up on the exhibition grounds, which was presented to the press today by Mayor Peter Feldmann and Stefan Majer, Head of the Human Resources and Health Department. The vaccination centre is operated by the German Red Cross (DRK), which has set up 44 vaccination booths inside the Festhalle.
There, where thousands of fans cheer on national and international superstars in normal times, up to 4000 vaccinations a day will soon be possible. Mayor Feldmann was impressed by the achievement of those responsible. But despite all the confidence, the city leader also had some words of warning for the citizens of the city: "This vaccination centre is a silver lining on the horizon. It spreads hope. That is good - but we must be careful that hope does not turn into recklessness. Nothing has been won yet. It will take months to achieve herd immunity. Until then, we have to stay on the straight and narrow. Otherwise, the virus will gain the upper hand."
Health department head Majer, who also heads the city's Corona administration staff, praised the institutions involved, saying, "The vaccination center planning staff under the direction of the health department, with the support of the local disaster control department, has mastered this mammoth logistical task in a very short time and with great competence. I thank everyone involved for their dedication and commitment."
Dierk Dallwitz, Managing Director DRK Bezirksverband Frankfurt promises, "With the Corona Vaccination Centre at the Messe, together with the mobile vaccination teams in Frankfurt, we will ensure a functioning system for all Frankfurt residents. We are well prepared with our team and want to help contain the spread of the virus."
Finally, Feldmann and Majer made an important appeal to everyone: "We have two big requests to the people of Frankfurt. First, get vaccinated. We will do the same. And secondly: Be patient until it's your turn. We'll do the same for you. Priority will be given to those to whom the virus can be particularly dangerous - and that's the right thing to do."
The most important facts about the vaccination center
- Location: Festhalle Messe Frankfurt
- Cooperation partners: Messe Frankfurt, Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Frankfurt
- Operational: since 15. December
- 44 vaccination stations
- Number of possible vaccinations per day: 4000
- approx. 250 employees
- Two-shift system from 7 am to 10 pm, seven days a week
