Vaccination Schedule in Germany: What Adults and Children Need

Imagine sending your child to kindergarten without worry, or enjoying retirement years free from preventable illnesses. In Germany, staying up-to-date with vaccinations protects not just you and your family, but our entire community. The **vaccination schedule in Germany**—guided by the Robert Koch Institute's STIKO recommendations—ensures adults and children receive timely protection against serious diseases.

Whether you're a parent planning your baby's first shots or an adult checking boosters, this guide covers everything you need. We'll break down the schedules for children, adolescents, and adults, highlight legal requirements, and share practical tips for accessing free vaccinations through your Krankenkasse. All info is based on 2026 STIKO guidelines, helping you navigate Germany's world-class preventive health system.[FAQ]

Why Vaccinations Matter in Germany

Vaccinations prevent outbreaks and save lives—Germany saw this during the measles resurgence before the 2020 mandate. STIKO, our expert committee at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), updates recommendations annually to match disease trends and new vaccines. Most childhood vaccines are free under statutory health insurance (GKV), and adults get key boosters covered too.

Key benefits include:

• Building lifelong immunity against diseases like measles, whooping cough, and shingles.
• Reducing hospital stays—pneumococcal vaccines alone prevent thousands of cases yearly.
• Community protection (herd immunity), vital in schools and nursing homes.

Only measles vaccination is legally mandatory for children in childcare or school since 2020, with fines up to €2,500 for non-compliance. All others are strongly recommended by STIKO and your local health authority (Gesundheitsamt).

Germany's Childhood Vaccination Schedule (Birth to 17 Years)

STIKO recommends starting vaccinations early—often at the U2 examination (3-10 days after birth)—to protect vulnerable infants. Babies get combination vaccines like hexavalent (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB) to minimise injections. Full basic immunisation needs 2-3 appointments by age 1.

Infants (Birth to 12 Months)

Focus on core protections against deadly infant diseases. Schedule as per 2026 STIKO:

Vaccine	Diseases Protected Against	Doses & Timing
Hexavalent (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB)	Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Hib, hepatitis B	2, 3, 4 months; booster at 11-14 months (premature babies may need extra)
Pneumococcal (PCV)	Pneumonia, meningitis	2, 4, 11-14 months
Rotavirus	Severe diarrhoea	6 weeks, 2, 4 months (2-3 doses, 4-week intervals)
Meningococcal B (MenB, optional but recommended)	Meningitis B	3 doses 2-23 months; 2 doses from 24 months

These align perfectly with your child's U-Untersuchungen (preventive check-ups), covered by GKV.

Toddlers and Preschoolers (1-6 Years)

• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella): 11-14 months, then 15-23 months. Mandatory for daycare entry.
• Varicella (chickenpox): 11-14 months, 15-23 months—often combined with MMR.
• Meningococcal C (MenC): From 12 months.
• DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB + PCV booster: 11-14 months, then 5-6 years.

School-Age Children and Adolescents (7-17 Years)

Boosters maintain protection, plus new risks like HPV-related cancers.

Vaccine	Dosing & Timing
DTaP booster	5-6 years; next Td(ap) every 10 years from 11-14 years
Polio booster (optional)	9-16 years
HPV (gender-neutral, 2- or 9-valent)	9-14 years (2 doses, 5 months apart); catch-up to 18 with 2-3 doses
MenACWY (new 2025 recommendation)	12-14 years (up to 24); replaces infant MenC for some

Catch-up vaccinations are free for unvaccinated kids—check with your Kinderarzt or Impfpass app.

Adult Vaccination Schedule in Germany

Adults need regular boosters as immunity wanes. STIKO tailors by age and risk—flu and COVID annually for many. All via GKV/PKV, often at your Hausarzt.

Young Adults (18-59 Years)

• Td(ap) booster: Every 10 years (Tdap once).
• HPV catch-up: To age 26 if missed.
• Flu: Annually if high-risk (e.g., chronic illness).
• Shingles (herpes zoster): 2 doses if immunocompromised.

Adults 60+

Increased focus on age-related diseases. 2026 priorities:

Vaccine	Recommendation
Pneumococcal (PPSV23 or PCV20)	One-time from 60, or earlier if chronic illness
Shingles	2 doses (2-6 months apart) from 60; from 50 if at risk
Flu	Annual autumn high-dose vaccine
COVID-19	Annual booster in autumn
RSV	One-time late summer/autumn for 75+ or long-term care/risk groups

Practical Tips: Getting Vaccinated in Germany

Your Impfpass tracks everything—keep it handy! Book via:

• Hausarzt or Kinderarzt for routine shots.
• Impfzentren during campaigns (e.g., flu season).
• Apps like "Impfen" from RKI for reminders.

Costs: Free for STIKO-recommended under GKV/PKV. Travellers get extras like hepatitis A via Tropenmedizin centres. Pregnant? Tdap between weeks 24-32 protects newborns.

Actionable advice: Check eligibility at impfen-info.de. Update records before Kita/Schule entry—schools verify measles proof.

Stay Protected: Your Next Steps

Dig out your Impfpass today and book a check-up. Use RKI's online scheduler or call your Krankenkasse. Vaccinating on time keeps our families healthy and Germany outbreak-free. Small steps now mean big protection later—prioritise your health in 2026.