Current vaccination coverage and immunization gaps of children and adolescents in Germany

• Published in: Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz Vol. 52; no. 11; pp. 1037 - 1044
• Main Authors: Reiter, S, Poethko-Müller, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German
• Published: Germany 01.11.2009
• Subjects: Adolescent; Child; Disease Outbreaks - prevention & control; Disease Outbreaks - statistics & numerical data; Germany - epidemiology; Humans; Incidence; Mass Vaccination - utilization; Virus Diseases - epidemiology; Virus Diseases - prevention & control; Germany
• ISSN: 1437-1588
• DOI: 10.1007/s00103-009-0957-7

Available data show increasing vaccination coverage of children and adolescents in recent years in Germany. Vaccination coverage of children against diphtheria, tetanus, polio and haemophilus influenzae Type b is high. Vaccination gaps exist for pertussis, hepatitis B and for the second measles, mumps and rubella doses. Coverage is still insufficient to achieve effective herd immunity and measles elimination. Data from the representative German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents reveal that vaccination of infants is markedly delayed compared to recommendations of the German Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO). Particularly older children and adolescents are often not fully vaccinated or are even unvaccinated. A high proportion is missing the recommended booster doses against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio. Vaccination compliance especially regarding completeness and timeliness is lower in western than eastern Germany, as well as in children of vaccine sceptics and foreign-born children. More comprehensive surveillance of vaccination coverage and adverse events following immunization as well as the implementation of a national immunization plan focussing on closure of immunization gaps could lead to improved vaccination coverage.