Vaccinations
It is important to vaccinate early in order to build up sufficient protection against serious infections, which are often associated with complications. Vaccination stimulates the immune system and initiates special defense measures against pathogens. Vaccinations are now available against many diseases. In order to keep the number of injections low, the use of combination vaccines makes sense.
A detailed medical consultation takes place before every first vaccination. The patient is examined before each vaccination. Vaccination is postponed in the case of acute illnesses with or without fever that require treatment. Pain, swelling and redness may occur at the vaccination site within the first 3 days after vaccination. General symptoms with an increase in temperature (rarely above 39°C), flu-like symptoms or gastrointestinal complaints may also occur.
These expected symptoms are known as vaccination reactions. They are a sign of the body’s reaction to the vaccine. After a live vaccination (e.g. measles/mumps/rubella/varicella), general symptoms, including a rash on the body, may occur at intervals of 7-10 days.
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends vaccinations against the following diseases and pathogens for all infants, toddlers, children and adolescents:
In the 1st year of life:
After the 1st year of life:
Other recommended vaccinations:
There are also vaccinations that make medical sense but are not (yet) recommended by the STIKO, such as the vaccination against meningococcus B and all travel vaccinations.
