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In this editorial of the Journal of General Medicine, the role of general practitioners in pandemic management is discussed. It is emphasized that general practitioners not only play an important role in individual health problems but are also indispensable in the face of collective health threats. The COVID-19 vaccination is considered a special case among vaccinations, as it does not protect against infection or transmission of the infection. However, complete vaccination provides good protection against severe progression and symptomatic illness. The decision on vaccinating the population does not lie with the doctors but with political and legal authorities. Austria has become the first country worldwide to introduce a general vaccination obligation. The vaccination obligation creates a complex situation as many doctors have problems with it. It is emphasized that doctors do not make vaccination mandatory but only vaccinate those who come to them voluntarily and wish to be vaccinated. It is pointed out that doctors can explain the benefits of vaccination and reduce fears both on a societal level and in individual encounters. It is hoped that Germany can achieve a socially meaningful vaccination coverage in a different way. [Extracted from the article]