Vaccinations are among the most important and effective preventative
measures that medicine can provide. As a rule, everyone who is given
one is protected against that particular illness. A sustained high
level of vaccination coverage can also eliminate illnesses that are
only transmitted from person to person (polio, hepatitis B, measles
etc).
The medical obligation begins with the primary immunisation of infants
and toddlers, however it is also crucial to administer the required
booster vaccinations, ensuring protection by vaccination at all ages.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that children have
the right to the best health care. This also includes protection
against illnesses that can be avoided by immunisation.
Contraindications for vaccination:
Anyone suffering from an acute infection should not be vaccinated until
they have recovered from the infection. However, everyday infections
with a temperature below 38 degrees (subfebrile) are not a
contraindication, although existing allergies to ingredients of the
vaccine can be a reason for vaccinations not to be administered. A
specialist must be consulted for people with immunodeficiencies and the
success of the vaccination must be monitored serologically (using a
blood test).
Reactions to vaccination:
Localised reactions such as reddening, swelling and tenderness around
the injection site or general reactions such as fever, headache and
muscle pains can occur within the first 72 hours after vaccination.
Severe undesirable reactions to vaccination are extremely rare.
The following applies for long-haul journeys or extended stays abroad:
- Always follow specific advice not received wisdom!
- Travel medicine is subject to constant alterations and updates
(epidemics, developing resistances) that apply on a temporary basis.
Malaria was a topical subject in Jamaica at the start of last year but
the general recommendations now apply again.
- You must contact your GP or the local Institute of Tropical
Medicine 4-6 weeks before your intended stay abroad so that you can
take all necessary preventative measures.
Vaccination schedule from the Robert Koch Institut in Germany
Vaccine
|
Age in months
|
Age in years
|
|
Birth
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
11-14
|
15-23
|
5-6
|
9-17
|
18 and over
|
>60
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tetanus
|
Dose
|
1st
|
2nd
|
3rd
|
4th
|
|
B
|
B
|
B every 10 years
|
|
Diphtheria
|
Dose |
1st
|
2nd
|
3rd
|
4th
|
|
B
|
B
|
B every 10 years |
|
Pertussis
|
Dose
|
1st
|
2nd
|
3rd
|
4th
|
|
B
|
B
|
|
|
Haemophilus influenza
|
Dose
|
1st
|
2nd
|
3rd
|
4th
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poliomyelitis
|
Dose |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
|
|
|
|
|
Hepatitis B
|
*******
|
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
|
Primary immunisation if not previously administered
|
Pneumococci
|
Dose
|
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
|
|
|
|
Senior Citizens
|
Meningococci
|
From 12 months (1st)
|
|
|
|
|
Measles mumps rubella
|
|
|
|
|
1st |
2nd |
|
|
|
|
Varicella
|
|
|
|
|
1st |
2nd |
|
|
|
|
Influenza
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Citizens |
Human papilloma virus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Young girls
|
B = Booster Vaccination
