People who have themselves vaccinated not only protect themselves. They also help eradicate diseases completely. Smallpox is a good example. As late as the 1960s, more than two million people around the world contracted smallpox. About 30 per cent of them died. Thanks to intensive immunization campaigns in all parts of the world, smallpox was eradicated at the end of the 1970s.

Polio too has been largely contained thanks to immunization. New cases are only being reported in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. But, until a disease is completely eradicated, vaccinations remain crucially important. Otherwise, all progress can be reversed.

Vaccine hesitancy is a serious public health threat

This year the World Health Organization (WHO) listed vaccine hesitancy as one of the ten greatest global health risks, putting it on a par with Ebola and increasing antimicrobial resistance.

One good example is measles – a dangerous disease that can be fatal. The WHO’s goal was to eradicate measles by 2020. Unfortunately the trend is currently going in the opposite direction. In 2018 the number of cases rose by 30 per cent. In Germany as elsewhere, it is becoming apparent that too few people are vaccinated. In 2018, a total of 543 cases of measles were recorded in Germany.

For some years now, the vaccination rate among children has remained unchanged at just under 93 per cent. The percentage of young adults with full vaccination coverage is even lower. They often have not had the second dose, which is needed to ensure effective protection.

A vaccination rate of 95 is needed to prevent outbreaks.

Stopping the infection chain

"Protected Together, #Vaccines Work" is the motto of this year’s European Immunization Week from 24 to 30 April.

You can be vaccinated at any age. Closing immunization gaps not only helps you. It is also an expression of responsibility towards those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reason, or who are still too young to be vaccinated. This applies particularly to babies, the age group that most frequently suffer serious complications if they do contract a disease.

Vaccinations are one of the most effective methods available to medicine to prevent diseases. That is why the Standing Commission on Vaccination proposes a number of vaccinations. From infancy, they help prevent serious diseases such as diphtheria, measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). For some diseases, vaccination during childhood is enough. For others, protection must be refreshed at regular intervals. Inside Germany, statutory health insurance schemes cover the costs of all vaccinations recommended by the Standing Commission on Vaccination.

You will find more information at www.impfen-info.de