Will T
I plan to travel to Belgium for FOSDEM 2023. No help for that trip, but I wonder if pharmacies in Brussels will give/sell COVID boosters to foreigners, since I can't get one at home…
Dec 8, 2022 at 10:52amWeb
Show threadColin WatsonDec 8, 2022
@wjt Ooh if you find out, I'm in the market
Show threadBen HutchingsDec 8, 2022
@wjt You can buy flu shots in a pharmacy (which you are supposed to take to your doctor to inject). However, COVID vaccination for residents has been more centralised. Given that and the short shelf life I suspect that COVID vaccines are not available that way
Show threadBen HutchingsDec 20, 2022
@wjt I found out that this has changed. Some pharmacies do now offer COVID vaccination and you can search for this specifically on https://www.pharmacie.be (français) or https://www.apotheek.be (Nederlands). You do need to make an appointment.
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Via pharmacie.be, les pharmaciens indépendants vous offrent des informations fiables sur la santé, les médicaments et les services disponibles en pharmacie.

Show threadWill TDec 20, 2022
@bwh thanks! I managed to get a booster here in the UK. @cjwatson you may be interested in a FOSDEM-adjacent booster? ^
Show threadColin WatsonDec 20, 2022
@wjt @bwh Thanks! Won't be at FOSDEM, but Belgium is close enough to be worth knowing about this. Was there any special trick to getting the UK booster, or are you just in an eligible group?
Show threadWill TDec 20, 2022
@cjwatson eligible group-adjacent: I have (mild, controlled) asthma, booked an "I'm not sure" appointment, and was not asked too many questions. "I got the text message about a flu vaccine, so... [trails off]" did the trick.
Show threadAlex McLeanDec 8, 2022
@wjt FWIW, you can have a seasonal covid19 booster shot in the UK if you tick the box that says you care for someone who is vulnerable. I couldn't find a strict definition of what caring for someone should involve, was maybe a little bit of a reach in my case (I visit my parents regularly), but there were no further questions and I think at this stage in the vaccination drive, you're not depriving anyone else by taking a shot.
Show threadWill TDec 12, 2022
@yaxu thanks for the tip! I booked an appointment by ticking the box that I am not sure if I am at heightened risk, told the people at the centre that I get an annual flu vaccine for asthma reasons, and boom! bivalent booster.
Show threadAlex McLeanDec 12, 2022
@wjt Congrats! Hope your arm isn't too sore..