Who should be vaccinated?
The permanent vaccination commission of the Robert Koch Institute (STIKO) makes recommendations on who should be vaccinated against the flu virus. Currently, the STIKO recommends vaccination for risk groups, i.e. groups of people who have an increased risk of the disease progressing more seriously than groups of people with an intact immune system. The STIKO currently recommends the following groups of people to be vaccinated: Persons over 60 years of age Pregnant women from the 4th month of pregnancy Children, adolescents and adults with a chronic disease Children, adolescents and adults with a congenital or acquired immune deficiency or an infection with HIV Medical personnel and personnel in nursing homes Residents of old people’s homes or nursing homes Persons in contact with poultry or wild birds People over 60 years of age have an increased risk of complications such as pneumonia, since the efficiency of the immune system decreases with increasing age.
Vaccination against pneumococci, the most common pathogen for bacterial pneumonia, is also advisable. Pregnant women from the 4th month of pregnancy or, in the case of a chronic disease, from the 1st month of pregnancy should also be vaccinated. Children, adolescents and adults with a chronic disease and associated with an increased health risk should also be vaccinated.
In the case of a congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, as well as in the case of an infection with HIV, the STIKO also issues a vaccination recommendation. Medical staff and staff in nursing homes should also be vaccinated, as they are exposed to an increased risk of infection. Residents of old people’s homes and nursing homes should also be vaccinated annually.
- Persons over 60 years
- Pregnant women from the 4th month of pregnancy
- Children, teenagers and adults with a chronic disease
- Children, adolescents and adults with a congenital or acquired immune deficiency or infection with HIV
- Medical personnel and personnel in nursing homes
- Residents of old people’s homes or nursing homes
- Persons with contact to poultry or wild birds
