In Germany, measles vaccination is the only vaccination required by law, and it applies to children. All other vaccinations are recommendations issued by the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO), which publishes schedules for children, adolescents, adults, pregnancy, specific risk groups, and occupational risks. Public health insurance (GKV) pays for every vaccination that STIKO recommends. Travel vaccinations are covered in some cases, depending on the reason for the trip and the public health insurance provider.
Which vaccinations are mandatory in Germany?
Measles vaccination is the only vaccination required by law in Germany. The Measles Protection Act took effect on March 1, 2020, and requires measles vaccination for children. Every other vaccination in Germany is recommended rather than legally required.
Which vaccinations does STIKO recommend for children and adolescents?
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends starting immunization a few weeks after birth, because several infectious diseases are more severe in infants and young children than in older children. Depending on the child's age, STIKO recommends immunization against the following:
Rotavirus
Diphtheria
Tetanus
Whooping cough (pertussis)
Polio (poliomyelitis)
Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b)
Hepatitis B
Meningococcus B
Meningococcus C
Pneumococci
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), of which measles is mandatory
Chickenpox (varicella)
HPV (human papillomavirus)
Combination vaccines cover several diseases in a single shot. STIKO recommends the hexavalent vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, Hib, whooping cough, and hepatitis B, as well as the MMR vaccine and the MMRV vaccine, which adds chickenpox.
For some vaccines, STIKO also recommends 1 or 2 booster doses during childhood and adolescence: 2 diphtheria boosters, 2 tetanus boosters, 2 whooping cough (pertussis) boosters, and 1 polio booster. Combination vaccines are available for these booster shots as well.
Which vaccinations does STIKO recommend for adults?
STIKO recommends that all adults keep the following vaccinations up to date, depending on their age:
Diphtheria and tetanus booster, recommended every 10 years
Whooping cough (pertussis) booster, given once as a combination vaccine together with the next scheduled diphtheria and tetanus booster
Measles vaccination for people born after 1970 who are unvaccinated, have an unclear vaccination status, or were vaccinated only once as children
COVID-19 basic immunity
Adults aged 60 and over are additionally recommended to get vaccinated against flu (influenza) every autumn, against pneumococci, and against shingles (herpes zoster), and to keep COVID-19 basic immunity.
Which vaccinations are recommended during pregnancy?
STIKO recommends flu (influenza) vaccination, whooping cough (pertussis) vaccination, and COVID-19 basic immunity during pregnancy. Each of these vaccinations has a recommended timing during the pregnancy, so the appointment should be scheduled in consultation with the treating doctor.
Which vaccinations are recommended for specific risk groups or occupations?
Some vaccinations are recommended for people who face a higher risk of infection, severe illness, or complications, or who could pass an infection on to others. Examples include the following:
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) for people living in or visiting certain regions of Germany where TBE occurs.
Vaccination against the Mpox virus (monkeypox) for people with a higher risk of exposure and infection.
Occupational vaccinations for people whose work involves a higher infection risk or contact with people who need protection.
Does public health insurance cover vaccinations in Germany?
Public health insurance (GKV) pays for all vaccinations that STIKO recommends. If a vaccination is needed because of a higher occupational risk and is not on the STIKO list, the employer may be required to pay for it. You can contact our support team for more assistance or additional resources.
Do I need vaccinations before arriving in Germany or when traveling abroad?
Vaccination requirements before entry to Germany depend on the country you are arriving from, and the German embassy handling your visa can confirm which vaccinations apply to you. For travel out of Germany, travel vaccinations (Reiseimpfungen) may be covered when a vaccination is mandatory for the destination or the risk of certain diseases is increased there — for example, when you need to stay abroad for work or education. For private travel, coverage of travel vaccinations depends on your public health insurance provider. You can contact our support team for more assistance or additional resources.