Staying Protected: A Guide to Adult Vaccinations

Many people associate vaccinations primarily with childhood. But that view falls short: Even in adulthood, comprehensive immunization remains essential — both for individual health and for protecting others. The Permanent Vaccination Commission (STIKO) therefore emphasizes the importance of regular boosters and targeted vaccinations — tailored to life stage, occupation, or travel behavior.

A glance at your vaccination record often reveals unexpected gaps.

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Why Vaccinations Are Important for Adults

The protection provided by many childhood vaccines diminishes over time — often unnoticed. Without regular boosters, the immune system loses its targeted defense against certain pathogens. At the same time, the risk of severe outcomes from infections like influenza, shingles, or pneumococcal disease increases with age, especially for those with underlying conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or chronic respiratory illness. Changing life circumstances — such as pregnancy, chronic illness, or working in healthcare or social services — also call for a tailored vaccination strategy.

In addition, vaccinated adults play a key role in promoting herd immunity: They not only protect themselves but also those who cannot be vaccinated — such as infants, older adults, or immunocompromised individuals. [2]

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The Most Important Standard Vaccinations for Adults

According to STIKO, adults should regularly check whether their vaccinations are still up to date [3]. These include in particular:

• Tetanus & Diphtheria: Booster shot every 10 years
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough): One-time booster in adulthood if last vaccination was >10 years ago; recommended for all close contacts of newborns (e.g., parents, grandparents), even if previously boosted in adulthood
• Measles: One-time vaccination for those born after 1970 with unclear vaccination status or vaccinated only once in childhood
• Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE): Basic immunization and boosters depending on risk area (e.g., higher risk in southern Germany, medium risk in central Germany, lower risk in northern Germany)
• Influenza: Annual flu vaccination, recommended for those over 60 years or with chronic illnesses
• COVID-19: Basic immunization (three antigen contacts) and annual booster shots for risk groups
• Pneumococcal & Herpes Zoster: Recommended from age 60, earlier for those with pre-existing conditions
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Travel Vaccinations: Protection Before You Go

Planning a long-distance trip or extended stay abroad? Then you should inform yourself early about country-specific vaccination requirements.

The Federal Foreign Office offers reliable information on this. Some of the most important travel vaccinations include [1]:

• Hepatitis A & B (important when traveling to countries with lower hygiene standards)
• Typhoid (for travel to regions with poor sanitary conditions)
• Japanese Encephalitis (for stays in rural areas of Asia)
• Rabies (with close animal contact or travel to risk areas)
• Yellow Fever (e.g., for parts of Africa and South America – often mandatory)
• Meningococcal Disease (for stays in certain tropical and subtropical regions)
• Dengue Fever (for longer stays in tropical and subtropical regions, especially Asia and South America)
• Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) (also a concern in parts of Europe)

Many vaccinations require multiple doses or lead time – it's best to start your vaccination consultation about 6 weeks before your trip.

Vaccination consultation all in one place – with avi

Your avi general practice is your first point of contact for all vaccination-related questions. In our practice, we review your vaccination record, recommend necessary boosters, and provide personalized advice on travel vaccinations, job-specific immunizations, and vaccines during chronic illnesses or pregnancy. Up-to-date vaccination protection in adulthood is not a luxury, but a cornerstone of modern preventive healthcare. Those who get vaccinated regularly not only protect themselves but also take responsibility for others.

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References

1. Auswärtiges Amt. (o. J.). Reisegesundheit und Impfempfehlungen weltweit. https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/reiseundsicherheit/reise-gesundheit
2. Bundesministerium für öffentliche Gesundheit. (o. J.). Schutz vor ansteckenden Krankheiten.https://www.impfen-info.de/wissenswertes/schutz-vor-ansteckenden-krankheiten/‍
3. Ständige Impfkommission (STIKO) (2024, 23. Januar). Impfkalender 2025. https://www.rki.de/DE/Themen/Infektionskrankheiten/Impfen/Staendige-Impfkommission/Empfehlungen-der-STIKO/Empfehlungen/Impfkalender.html