COVID-19 Booster Vaccination

The situation of COVID-19 has changed. The high level of immunity in the population has resulted in significantly fewer severe episodes than in the past. However, the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to circulate throughout the population. Therefore, the Standing Commission on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends annual booster vaccination (in addition to basic immunity) for groups of people at particular risk.

Some of the groups at risk are:

• Persons aged over 60
• Persons with relevant underlying diseases and
• Close contacts of people with weakened immune systems.
• Medical and nursing staff are also advised to have an annual booster vaccination due to the increased risk of infection.

Vaccination should be given at least 12 months after the last event (infection or vaccination). Healthy adults under 60 years of age who do not have an occupationally increased risk of infection, as well as pregnant women, are currently not recommended to receive another booster vaccination.

The COVID-19 booster vaccination can be administered simultaneously, i.e., at the same time as an influenza vaccination. The adapted COVID-19 mRNA vaccine from the vaccine manufacturer BioNTech/Pfizer is used for booster vaccination.

 

Flu Vaccination

The flu is an infectious disease caused by viruses, against which you can be vaccinated. The transmission of flu between people takes place through the infection of little droplets, through direct contact, for example a handshake, or through contact infection with objects.

The flu vaccination is composed every year based on the respective primary virus types. The World Health Organization, WHO for short, determines the composition.

The new vaccination arrives in pharmacies every fall, and can then be used to be vaccinated for the coming fall and winter seasons.

Flu vaccinations are sensible through March.

Who should be vaccinated for the flu?

The flu vaccination is particularly recommended for people with a high risk of transmission or illness. The German Standing Committee on Vaccination Recommendations (STIKO) recommends the following individuals:

• Indidviduals 60 years of age or older
• Individuals with underlying diseases (respiratory, cardiovascular system, kidneys, metabolism, defense system, blood)
• Individuals in institutions with extensive public business
• Individuals in medical and healthcare fields
• Individuals with compromised patients in close personal contact
• Pregnant women, whose second or third trimester coincides with flu season
• Individuals with direct contact with poultry or wild birds

 

Vaccination for Hepatitis B

The first vaccination, the so called initial immunization for hepatitis B is carried out according to the following immunization schedule:

• first vaccination
• second vaccination: one month after the first vaccination
• third vaccination: six months after the first vaccination

If the antibody titer drops too dramatically after intial immunization, a one time refresher vaccination is applied.

If initial immunization cannot be completely carried out, it can be continued at any time. One does not have to start at the beginning of the process.

As long as it is indicated, the combination vaccination for hepatitis A and B is carried out according to the same immunization scheudule as the initial immunization for hepatitis B.

 

Standard Vaccinations for Adults

According to the recommendations of the German Standing Committee on Vaccination Recommendations (STIKO) of the Robert Koch Institute, every adult should have the following vaccinations redone every ten year:

• Tetanus (lockjaw)
• Diphtheria
• Pertussis (whooping cough)

If no or incomplete initial immunization has taken place, this must be completed.

Recommendations for Measles

Individuals born after 1970 and 18 years of age or older, who did not have a measles vaccination, who only had one vaccination for measles during childhood, or are unsure of their vaccination status for measles, should get a one time measles vaccination preferably with an MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella).

Recommendations for Pneumococci

Individuals 60 years of age or old should get a one time vaccination for pnemococci. Repeat vaccinations after five years, should only take place after the presence of certain illness.

Recommendations for Polio (Infantile Paralysis)

Individuals, who already received a complete initial immunization and a one time repeat immunization are seen as completely immunized. Routine repeat vaccinations after one's 19^th birthday are not necessary. Please note that a repeat vaccination may be sensible for travel to countries with a risk of infection.

The so called standard vaccinations are usually done by your primary physician. Please always have your immunizations entered in your vaccination records.