German Doctors Offer Oktoberfest Flu Jabs as Festival Opens
Germany kicked off the 191st Oktoberfest as Mayor Dominik Krause tapped the first keg, while health officials offered flu and more shots to revelers.
Thousands of festival-goers thronged Munich's venues on the 191st Oktoberfest opening day, with some camped out overnight to secure prime spots inside the mammoth beer tents. The 16-day event, expected to draw over 6 million attendees, blends traditional customs with contemporary health measures. Bavarian officials inaugurated the festivities with two ceremonial mallet strikes, followed by the first beer pour and a toast declaring "O zapft is!" – "It is tapped!"
Bavarian Premier Markus Söder received the inaugural mug. To tackle seasonal health risks, medical professionals are providing flu and COVID-19 vaccinations on-site during the crowded gathering, warning that the close quarters heighten infection risks. Officials noted that less than one-third of recommended flu shots have been administered so far. Beer prices have slightly increased, with a one-liter mug costing €14.80 to €15.90.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
