Flu shot in Czechia: insurers make it easier for more doctors

Significantly more doctors in Czechia will now be able to offer flu shots: health insurers are widely simplifying the conditions for hospitals and specialists. Previously they had to sign a separate contract with the insurer for this service, which many found unprofitable.

What has changed for doctors

Flu shots can be given not only by general practitioners, but hospitals and specialists, such as cardiologists, pulmonologists or diabetologists, had to negotiate this service separately with insurers. That administrative step is now being removed.

One of the first to do so, at the beginning of October, was the country’s largest insurer, the General Health Insurance Company (VZP). According to its spokeswoman Viktorie Plívová, the service has been automatically arranged for all outpatient specialists and all inpatient care providers. As a result, doctors can offer the shot, in particular to at-risk patients during a hospital stay or an ordinary outpatient visit.

The change has also already been introduced by ČPZP and OZP, the Škoda Employees’ Insurance Company is launching it now, the Military Insurance Company is planning it, and the Ministry of the Interior Insurance Company has announced it from the beginning of November.

According to ČPZP director general David Šmelík, the number of doctors who can give flu shots has grown significantly. He believes the same approach could be applied in future to other vaccines paid for by insurance. At OZP, spokesman František Tlapák said, they are considering extending it to Covid vaccines if providers show interest.

Who gets the shot paid for

Not everyone is entitled to a covered flu shot. These are primarily people over 65, whose insurers reimburse any vaccine. Other groups are also eligible, for example healthcare workers or some at-risk patients with heart and vascular disease, respiratory illness or diabetes. For them, insurers automatically reimburse only the cheapest option.

According to the Ministry of Health, only 8 percent of Czech residents get vaccinated against flu each year. Last season two million people caught respiratory illnesses, more than 34,000 of them ended up in hospital, and 3,500 died.

The beginning of autumn is the key time for vaccination, but according to Roman Chlíbek, chairman of the Czech Vaccinology Society, getting vaccinated in late October or early November is still appropriate.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz