Improving protection

Scepticism is not only directed at the new vaccines. There are also vaccination gaps in Germany when it comes to traditional and proven vaccines against measles, poliomyelitis or human papillomavirus (HPV), for example. The Epidemiological Bulletin of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for the 2023/24 season shows that people of all age groups are insufficiently protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.

At first glance, the immunisation rates for infants are high. However, many immunisation series are not completed on time or not at all. The third dose of the six-dose immunisation, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and poliomyelitis, among others, is particularly affected. By the age of two, only 77 per cent of children have full protection against polio. According to the RKI, there are considerable regional differences, with some districts recording vaccination rates of less than 60 per cent.

This can be illustrated by measles, for example. Vaccination against measles has been compulsory for children since 2020. Since then, vaccination rates for measles, mumps and rubella have improved, but up to 10 per cent of children only receive one dose instead of the recommended two. This reduces individual protection. Overall, the vaccination rate in Germany falls short of the 95 per cent target.

According to the latest BARMER Drug Report, only 87 per cent of two-year-olds were fully vaccinated against measles in 2022. Although this is an increase of eight percentage points compared to 2019, it is still below the threshold required for herd immunity. According to the report, vaccination rates are particularly low in Saxony (77 per cent), Baden-Württemberg (84 per cent) and Bavaria (85 per cent), which are up to ten percentage points below the national average.

In addition, around 5 per cent of children born in 2020 were completely without any vaccination in 2022. Experts are warning that vaccination gaps not only endanger the children concerned, but also increase the risk of regional measles outbreaks.

The HPV vaccination is important and recommended in adolescence, as it can protect against later cancer diseases. Here too, coverage is inadequate. The vaccination rate for 15-year-old girls is currently 55 per cent, and only 34 per cent for boys. This shows a stagnating trend.

Adults neglect vaccinations against diseases such as influenza and pneumococcus especially often. Only around 38 percent of people aged 60 and over are vaccinated against influenza, although this age group is particularly at risk. The pertussis vaccination is particularly relevant for pregnant women. The vaccination rate improved here in the 2023/2024 season, but the flu vaccination rate in this group remains very low at 21%.

The COVID-19 booster vaccination has been offered since 2023/24 as a routine vaccination for risk groups, including people aged 60 and over and people with underlying conditions. But still, the vaccination rate in the over-60 age group was recently only 16 per cent, which is significantly lower than for the influenza vaccination.

Data on vaccination rates for people with underlying conditions are currently not available and will only be analysed by the end of 2025. Low immunisation rates can have consequences. Many infections, including influenza or measles, can be severe and even threaten the lives of young children, the elderly and people with underlying conditions.

Pregnant women do not take enough advantage of the opportunity to protect themselves and their children from infections and complications caused by diseases such as whooping cough. Other vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio have been driven back thanks to the immunisation of the population and could now become a problem again. Experts are therefore calling for increased education and targeted vaccination campaigns to reduce scepticism and ensure herd immunity.

The pharmacy team can be the contact persons if patients have questions about immunisations. Many people do not know if their immunisation status is up to date. Pharmacy teams can encourage patients to check their immunisation record or suggest that they look at the document together. The recommendations of the Standing Committee on Immunisation (STIKO) can also be discussed in the pharmacy.

The PTA can specifically emphasise the importance of vaccinations to older people, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses. Flyers, posters and direct dialogue can help here. The public generally has a high level of trust in pharmaceutical staff. Employees can therefore help to combat vaccination myths and reassure people that possible side effects are continuously recorded and evaluated.

They are generally minor compared to the severity of the diseases they prevent. Specially trained pharmacists are also authorised to administer vaccinations against influenza and COVID-19 themselves. This low-threshold access to the protective measure can also improve vaccination rates.

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