The city of Berlin has ramped up efforts to try to encourage people to get vaccinated by starting “Long Night of Vaccination” parties. Partygoers can head to the Treptower Arena to receive a vaccine while shaking their backsides to some groovy beats.
Together with the Red Cross and the Berlin Club Commission, Berlin's first and biggest vaccination centre, Treptower Arena, hosted the events on Monday and Wednesday this week, with one final shindig scheduled for Friday evening between 8 pm and 1 am.
Upon receiving a vaccination, patients are usually asked to wait in the observation room for 15 to 30 minutes before leaving. However, at the Long Night of Vaccination, patients step into a very different-looking observation room. The area has been cleared so that attendees can dance under the flashing disco lights while renowned DJs play for the newly vaccinated crowd. To ensure that the vaccination centre doesn’t get too overcrowded, bouncers will be on hand to stop people from entering and asking others to make way, should things get too packed.
The first Long Night of Vaccination has been deemed a success, after around 420 people showed up to get vaccinated on Monday. “We didn’t know what to expect,” said Karsten Hinzmann, the spokesperson for the Red Cross. “Our team is absolutely delighted with the first night. The start was a complete success.” Since Monday isn’t the best day for late-night shenanigans, organisers expect that the Friday event will be even busier.
The head of the vaccination centre, Markus Niche, suggested that many non-Germans, who do not have the correct documentation, might fall through the cracks of the country’s vaccination drive. To try and encourage as many people as possible to get vaccinated, patients who attend the Long Night of Vaccination can get a jab without having to show a passport or ID.
The vaccination centre will also admit children from the age of 16, in an attempt to boost the vaccination rate amongst young people. Anyone under the age of 18 will have to bring a consent form signed by their parents. Parents shouldn’t worry about the “party” atmosphere if they want to send their kids to get vaccinated – as the free bar only serves soft drinks, no beer in sight!