Germany news: Doctors offer Oktoberfest flu jabs

Munich's Oktoberfest kicked off on Saturday with the first beer keg being opened using the traditional cry of "O zapft is!" (It has been tapped!). However, Bavarian authorities are also promoting "O piekst is!" (It has been pricked!) as doctors provide flu and Covid-19 vaccinations. With large groups of people gathering in close quarters, the risk of infection at Oktoberfest is higher, according to Christoph Spinner, head of infectiology at Munich's Rechts der Isar hospital.

Less than a third of those recommended a flu jab actually receive one. Health experts from Munich's vaccination initiative, München impft!, are going where people are, which coincidentally is Oktoberfest. Meanwhile, elections are taking place in two more German states, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin, on Sunday. Protesters in Berlin and Cologne are opposing abortion and assisted suicide, with police estimating around 2,200 participants in Berlin.

Holocaust survivor and prominent Jewish community leader, Charlotte Knobloch, expressed concern over the Alternative for Germany's (AfD) victory in Saxony-Anhalt state election, warning that some Jews may leave Germany. The far-right AfD party held its final rally in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where they secured 36% of the vote, compared to the SPD's 37%.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will convene the Christian Democratic Union leadership to discuss the results of the state elections. NATO's new military committee chairman, General Carsten Breuer, emphasized the alliance's challenges.