Staffing shortage slows re-expansion of immunization services

A lack of personnel is slowing down the planned expansion of the infrastructure for Corona vaccinations in Berlin. The expansion is not yet as far advanced as desired, said Berlin's mayor Michael Müller (SPD) at the Senate press conference on Tuesday. Not because there is no money or the premises are missing, "but because we suffer from not having enough staff on board," Müller said.

Last year, people from the catering, hotel, and cultural sectors had helped out at the vaccination centers, but after the past few more relaxed months, many had found other jobs again, Müller described. "We simply lack many people to be able to expand the vaccination centers even faster."

Müller went on to say, "Therefore, an urgent request: Whoever can support us and has the relevant knowledge, whoever is willing to do so, please get in touch, because we want to expand the infrastructure as quickly and as far as possible in Berlin."

There is an increased demand, he said, "We see that many people are queuing up and then picking up the first or second vaccination now after all, or are already on site for the booster," Müller said. "That's right and important and that's why we want to be able to give an answer as quickly as possible. So maybe some can support us at that point."

Berlin wants to expand vaccination facilities in the eastern part of the city with a vaccination center on the grounds of the Karlshorst harness racing track, as was announced a few days ago. In addition, the vaccination capacity in Lichtenberg in the "Ring Center" is to be expanded.

Currently, only the two vaccination centers at the fair and in Tegel are open throughout Berlin - both in the west of Berlin. Other vaccination centers had been closed in August.