THE ROAD
THE ROCK
Would you like to read the latest fascinating news from the world of road construction? Then subscribe to THE ROAD Newsletter.
THE ROAD Newsletter

Are you interested in stories and insights from the world of materials processing? Then subscribe to THE ROCK Newsletter.
THE ROCK Newsletter

Strong Together against COVID-19

Vaccinations for Better Protection and More Freedom

In June 2021, Wirtgen launched its own workplace vaccination program. In the specially built vaccination center, we were able to administer the vital jab to around 300 employees who hadn’t yet been vaccinated and offer employees the chance to receive both their first and second vaccinations on site.

Wirtgen Group | Windhagen

When Germany stopped administering the vaccine on the basis of priority groups, it initially meant that people needed to wait and be patient. Both the vaccines and appointments were in short supply – regardless of whether at the vaccination center or with the family doctor. This wasn't just frustrating, but also led to heated debates and widespread complaints. That’s why we were happy to take advantage of the workplace vaccination option as an important third pillar in the fight against the pandemic, because the safety of our employees is our top priority.

Vaccines Save Lives

…and in the case of the coronavirus, is our only way out of the pandemic. The more people who have been fully vaccinated, the more likely it is that we will be able to interact with each other in social settings and return to a sense of normalcy and freedom. Even though our employees have done an excellent job of complying with the measures put in place to prevent the spread of COVID 19 – many thanks for that – some risk still remains. This is especially true where employees have to work closely together for production reasons. That is why we would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have been vaccinated, protecting themselves and others. In the fight against the virus, we are strong together.

“This here is an important step for the entire workforce in the fight against the pandemic.”

Christoph von Büdingen, project manager at Wirtgen International GmbH

Friday, June 25, 8 a.m. The glass showroom in Wirtgen’s main building was no longer recognizable. Instead of the high-tech machines usually on display here, a fully equipped vaccination center with registration and waiting areas, six vaccination booths, and a rest area awaited our employees. Dr. Lenz, our long-time company physician who enjoys the complete confidence of the workforce, administered the crucial jab and provided information and advice to employees on request. The first dose was administered on three dates between June 21 and July 11; the second dose was administered six weeks later.

The Vaccination Coordination Team – Working Together like a Well-Oiled Machine

A specially formed vaccination coordination team was responsible for managing the invitation process, setting up the vaccination line, and ensuring that the campaign ran smoothly. The team did their best to accommodate individual appointment requests, availability during the workday, and leave schedules – the vaccination itself took place during working hours in groups of 4 people each, ensuring that everything proceeded in a relaxed manner. In order to minimize possible absences due to adverse reactions to vaccinations within a department, employees in the same department were deliberately given appointments on different dates.

“The program is being run in typical Wirtgen fashion, which of course means it’s extremely well-organized – including the information communicated in advance via our intranet.”

Christoph von Büdingen, project manager at Wirtgen International GmbH

The Registration Area

Employees only had to bring their vaccination record with them. The necessary forms were provided at the vaccination station on a daily basis and employees were able to read and fill them out at their leisure. The helpful members of the coordination team were on hand to answer any questions.

The Waiting Area

Until they were assigned a vaccination booth, employees had the opportunity to learn about the vaccination process in the waiting area.

The Vaccination Booths

Now it was time to get down to business – six vaccination booths were set up to ensure employees were kept at a sufficient distance from each other and that the process flowed smoothly. In the booths, our company physician Dr. Lenz provided information and personalized advice upon request, and then administered the vaccine.

The Rest Area

15 minutes is the recommended amount of time people that receive the vaccine should rest under the supervision of someone qualified to provide first aid. This is almost as long as our corporate video, which helped pass the time in an entertaining way. And if all went well, it was back to their workstation freshly vaccinated for the employees!

Wirtgen’s Workplace Vaccination Program: Facts and Figures

Total number of first and second doses administered: 600
First doses administered between: June 21 – July 11
Second doses administered between: July 19 – August 15
Vaccine administered: BioNTech

Vaccination center setup: Six vaccination booths, registration area, waiting area, rest area
Company physician in charge: Dr. Lenz

“The Vaccine Is Both Safe and Necessary”

An Interview with a Vaccine Recipient

Christoph von Büdingen, project manager at Wirtgen International GmbH, received his first dose on June 25. We accompanied the 43-year-old on his way through our vaccination center and conducted a short interview with him.

What do you think of Wirtgen’s workplace vaccination program?

I think it’s great and I signed up immediately as soon as I had the chance. It’s truly fantastic what the company is doing for us, for the employees. And everyone is also helping internally to ensure that everyone else knows that the vaccine is both safe and necessary, so that we can get out of the pandemic as quickly as possible.

Did you try to get a vaccination appointment somewhere else before?

Yes, but to no avail. Which makes me that much happier that I could get vaccinated here at Wirtgen.

Did the jab hurt?

No, I didn’t feel it at all.

Are you relieved?

Absolutely. But that was just the first step. I’m getting my second dose in six weeks, then have to wait two more weeks after that, and then I’ll be done and fully vaccinated!

Are you happy with the way Wirtgen is running the program?

Absolutely. It’s being run in typical Wirtgen fashion, which of course means extremely well-organized. The way information was communicated beforehand was also top notch. I got a phone call on Monday saying that I had the appointment today.

Plans for after you’re fully vaccinated?

Not really – we’re going to book our vacation at the last minute. But we’re definitely going to choose a destination where we’re really safe, away from any tourist hotspots.

And what about the rules put in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus? Keeping your distance, regularly washing your hands, wearing a mask, etc. Do think it’s important to follow them even after receiving your second dose of the vaccine?

Absolutely. We’ve all learned that these rules are the easiest way to combat COVID-19 – and other diseases as well. I think it will be a while before everything really gets back to normal.

Successful vaccination programs were also carried out at our other Wirtgen Group locations

Wirtgen India

At our Indian factory in Pune, Maharashtra, our employees and their families were able to get vaccinated. We are delighted that the vaccination campaign was so well received and that we were able to make an important contribution to combating the pandemic here in India.

It’s important to help wherever possible!

Kleemann Makes Warehouse Available to the District of Göppingen

Kleemann provided straightforward assistance to the district of Göppingen by making a warehouse available for use as a vaccination center. By the end of June 2021, a total of six vaccination lines were able to carry out approximately 165,000 vaccinations here. As a result, by this date a total of34.7 %of the population was fully vaccinated;50.4 %had received their first dose.

Workplace Vaccination Program at Joseph Vögele AG

A vaccination center was also set up at the Vögele factory in Ludwigshafen. We are delighted by the response and positive feedback from our employees. This was an important step towards a return to a more normal life!

A Successful Vaccination Campaign at Benninghoven

Elise Becker, who is completing a vocational training program as a construction mechanic, gladly accepted the opportunity to receive the vaccine at Benninghoven – as did many of her colleagues – and is now fully vaccinated.