Vaccinations in children: When, how and side effects

When should a child be vaccinated?

A vaccination calendar provides information about which vaccinations are important at what age . As a child, you should always have received the first important vaccinations: A vaccination against typical, highly contagious infectious diseases such as measles, whooping cough, mumps, rubella, chickenpox and many others not only helps to protect yourself, but also to prevent the disease from spreading and to prevent its consequences as far as possible. If adults are not vaccinated or if they do not suffer from these childhood diseases as children, they pose a particular risk because there is no basic immunization and serious illnesses can develop.

Combination vaccinations are a good opportunity to prevent several diseases with one vaccination dose. The STIKO recommends the following combination vaccinations for children:

• The sixfold combination vaccine is against hepatitis B, whooping cough, polio, Haemophilus influenzae B, tetanus and diphtheria; However, a combination vaccination without Hib and hepatitis B is also possible. Four vaccination dates are planned for the six-fold vaccination, these should be between the end of the second month and the end of the first year of life.
• The triple (MMR) or quadruple (MMRV) vaccination is against mumps, measles, rubella and possibly chickenpox; both vaccinations take place towards the end of the first and second year of life. There is no single vaccine against mumps, this disease can only be vaccinated in combination.

All further information on the individual vaccination dates and booster vaccinations can be found on the following pages.

What does the vaccination cost?

Statutory health insurance companies cover the costs of recommended STIKO vaccinations for children. If a booster vaccination has to be given regularly because your child is one of the risk patients or if the vaccination is given because you are traveling to a country where there is a particularly high risk of infection, then speak to your doctor in advance, he will give you information about any costs that may arise.

Possible side effects of vaccination

In very rare cases, vaccinations can cause side effects, including a rash or redness in the area where the vaccine was injected, with slight pain. In general, a vaccination can lead to fever, tiredness, irritability, headaches and body aches or gastrointestinal complaints. Don’t worry too much, however, because the side effects usually subside after one to three days after the vaccination. If this does not happen, please inform a doctor. Don’t be put off by the possible side effects – consider how much your child would suffer if they had not received the vaccination but the actual childhood disease.

Vaccination dates for diphtheria

In order to be completely immune to diphtheria, four vaccinations are required:

• The 1st vaccination takes place from the end of the second month of life (usually from the 9th week).
• The child gets the second vaccination dose when it is three months old.
• The 3rd vaccination dose is then given from the age of four months.
• The 4th partial vaccination is given at the end of the first year of life (usually between the 11th and 14th month of life).

When is a booster vaccination necessary?

The vaccination against diphtheria should be repeated between the ages of 5 and 6 years, from 9 to 17 years and every ten years thereafter to ensure long-lasting, reliable protection. This refresher can also be done as a combination vaccination.

Vaccination dates TBE (tick-borne encephalitis)

Children can be vaccinated against TBE from their first birthday. In rare cases, a febrile reaction can occur in children under the age of three. In the case of TBE vaccination, it should be discussed with the doctor how high the risk of infection actually is. However, everyone who spends a lot of time in TBE areas, i.e. nature, should be vaccinated against it, since the disease is mainly transmitted via tick bites. Three vaccinations are required for long-term protection. It is best to start with the first vaccination dose in the winter months, followed by the second vaccination one to three months later and you need the last vaccination after a further 5-12 or 9-12 months.

When is a booster vaccination necessary?If there is still a risk of infection, a first booster vaccination is recommended 3 years after complete basic immunization, the next booster vaccinations are then only necessary every 5 years.

Vaccination dates for measles

In order to obtain complete protection against measles , the first dose of vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 and 14 months. The vaccination takes place at the earliest at 9 months, for example if there is a risk of infection or the child is cared for in a community facility. The second vaccination should be given at the earliest four weeks after the first vaccination and at the latest towards the end of the second year of life, at 23 months. The vaccine is administered as a combination vaccine (MMR vaccine) against measles, mumps and rubella.

When is a booster vaccination necessary?

After a possible infection, vaccination can be given up to three days later if necessary. A preventive vaccination is still better. A booster vaccination is usually not necessary, since one should be immune to the disease after two vaccinations.

Rubella vaccination dates

To protect against rubella , your child needs two vaccinations. The vaccination is administered as a combination vaccine (MMR vaccine) against both rubella and measles and mumps. The 1st vaccination should be given between the 11th and 14th month. The second vaccination dose should be given at the earliest four weeks after the first vaccination and at the latest towards the end of the second year of life, at 23 months.

When is a booster vaccination necessary?

After the two vaccinations, no further booster vaccinations are planned, as immunity against measles, mumps and rubella is built up.

Impftermine HPV

HPV vaccinations are recommended for girls and young women. The first vaccination consists of two doses of vaccine and is given between the ages of 9 and 13 or 14 (depending on the vaccine). Your child will then receive the second vaccination at least five or six months (depending on the vaccine) after the first. There must not be more than 13 months between the first and the second vaccination. Due to the large number of HPV types, vaccinations with multiple vaccines are possible. From the age of 14 or 15 (depending on the vaccine) three vaccinations against HPV are given to complete the basic immunization. Your child will receive the second vaccination one to two and a half months after the first vaccination. The third vaccination is usually given six months after the first vaccination. Care should be taken to that all three vaccinations are given within one year if possible. Don’t worry, your doctor will help you with the exact vaccination dates.

When is a booster vaccination necessary?

Missed HPV vaccinations should be made up for by the age of 18.

Impftermine Mumps

For immunity against mumps , a two-dose vaccination in the form of a combination vaccination together with measles, rubella and mumps is recommended. The 1st vaccination should be given between the 11th and 14th month. The 2nd vaccination dose should be given between the 4th week after the first vaccination and towards the end of the second year of life, at 23 months.

When is a booster vaccination necessary?

A further vaccination to refresh the old vaccination dose is not necessary, since your child should have built up immunity to mumps after the vaccination.

Impftermine Hib

To ensure that your child does not get Hib in the first place, you should definitely keep the following four vaccination dates:

• The 1st vaccination takes place from the end of the second month of life (from the 9th week).
• The child gets the second vaccination when it is three months old.
• The 3rd partial vaccination then follows from the age of four months.
• The 4th dose of vaccine is given at the end of the first year of life (between 11 and 14 months of age).

Immunization often takes the form of a sixfold vaccine, which also protects against diphtheria, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and tetanus.

When is a booster vaccination necessary?

A booster vaccination is usually not necessary. If you have more specific questions or are unsure, please consult a doctor.

Vaccination dates whooping cough

In order to achieve effective protection against whooping cough , the following vaccination dates apply:

• The 1st partial vaccination takes place from the end of the second month of life (from the 9th week).
• The child gets the second vaccination dose when it is three months old.
• The 3rd vaccination dose is given from the age of four months.
• The 4th vaccination is given at the end of the first year of life (between 11 and 14 months of age).

When is a booster vaccination necessary?

Vaccination against whooping cough should be repeated between the ages of 5 and 6 years, from 9 to 17 years and every ten years thereafter to ensure long-lasting, reliable protection. This refresher can also be done as a combination vaccination.

Chickenpox Vaccination Dates

In order to provide adequate protection against chickenpox , the STIKO recommends two vaccinations. The first vaccination should be given at the age of 11 to 14 months, if possible at the same time as the first measles, mumps and rubella vaccination (MMR) or no earlier than four weeks later. Your child will receive the second vaccination four to six weeks after the first vaccination, at the age of 15 to 23 months. An MMRV vaccination can also be arranged, which covers the childhood diseases measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox together.

When is a booster vaccination necessary?

A vaccination can be made up for at any time if it has not yet been done. A booster is usually not necessary, since immunity occurs after the vaccinations.

Meningococcal vaccination dates

The STIKO recommends a one-time vaccination against meningococci C in the second year of life. If this has not taken place, this should be made up for by the age of 18 if possible. Your doctor will advise you on further meningococcal vaccinations that may be necessary. Other vaccination recommendations include meningococci A, C, W135 and Y. These are aimed at people with an increased risk of infection. Consult your doctor to find out who this affects.

MENINGITIS MOVED

Almost every day in Germany someone falls ill with meningococci. In addition to meningitis (meningitis), the bacteria can cause blood poisoning (sepsis). Infants and young children are most commonly affected by meningococcal disease. The nationwide awareness campaign MENINGITIS BEWET . provides information about meningococci, secondary diseases and protection options. 

Impftermine Pneumokokken

Vaccination against pneumococci is recommended for infants from two months of age. For this purpose, the infants are given three vaccinations:

• The first vaccination is given at the age of two months.
• The second vaccination is given at the age of four months.
• Your baby will have the third vaccination 6 months later (at the age of 11 to 14 months).

In premature babies, the number of vaccinations changes to a total of four. These take place in the second, third and fourth month and at the age of 11 to 14 months.

When is a booster vaccination necessary?

Patients at risk who suffer from certain chronic diseases and immune deficiencies are recommended to receive one or two further pneumococcal vaccinations even after they have reached the age of two.

Impftermine Rotaviren

In infants, the first oral vaccination against rotavirus should be started between 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Depending on the vaccine, the number of vaccinations varies between two or three. There must be an interval of four weeks between vaccinations before starting the second. The vaccination should be completed by the 24th or 32nd week at the latest.

When is a booster vaccination necessary?

Nothing is known about a booster vaccination, please speak to your doctor about this.

Impftermine Hepatitis B

In order to be able to protect yourself against hepatitis B in the long term, a vaccination in four steps is necessary for infants.

• The 1st vaccination takes place from the end of the second month of life (from the 9th week).
• The child gets the second partial vaccination when it is three months old.
• The 3rd vaccination dose is given from the age of four months.
• The 4th dose of vaccine is given at the end of the first year of life (between 11 and 14 months of age).

Generally, infants associated with hepatitis B are vaccinated against polio, tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria and Hib with a six-component primary vaccine.

When is a booster vaccination necessary?

Four to eight weeks after the last vaccination, an anti-HB test provides information on whether the primary immunization was successful. The value must be ≥100 IU/L. Individuals suffering from immunodeficiency should undergo annual anti-HBs testing. Talk to your doctor if you or your children have an immune deficiency. Prevention is care!

Impftermine Polio

Adequate protection against polio is important, so it is important to ensure that your children get all four vaccinations.

• The child receives the 1st vaccination dose from the age of two months (from the 9th week).
• The second vaccination follows when the baby is three months old.
• The 3rd vaccination dose is given from the age of four months.
• The 4th vaccination is given at the end of the first year of life (between 11 and 14 months of age).

When is a booster vaccination necessary?

If your children are traveling to countries where polio is endemic, you should seek a booster shot if they are not already adequately protected. Another vaccination should also be considered between the ages of 9 and 17 years. The vaccination is usually given in combination with vaccinations against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus.

Impftermine Tetanus

To ensure that your child is adequately protected against tetanus, you should stick to the dates specified by the STIKO. These are as follows:

• The first vaccination dose is given from the age of two months (approximately from the 9th week).
• The child gets the second vaccination when it is three months old.
• The 3rd vaccination dose is given from the age of four months.
• The 4th vaccination is given at the end of the first year of life (between 11 and 14 months of age).

When is a booster vaccination necessary?

Tetanus should be repeated between the ages of 5 and 6, from 9 to 17 and every ten years thereafter to ensure long-lasting, reliable protection. This refresher can also be done as a combination vaccination.

Impfterminate Influenza

The STIKO recommends an annual vaccination for every child suffering from diseases such as diabetes, asthma, HIV infection, disorders of the immune system, multiple sclerosis, liver, kidney, heart and circulatory diseases. They tend to get the flu more severely than healthy children. Children can be vaccinated against influenza from the age of six months. Infants and young children aged 6 to 36 months are usually given half the adult dose of an inactivated vaccine. Children who have not been vaccinated against influenza by the age of nine are usually given two vaccinations four weeks apart. In addition to the usual injected vaccination, the vaccine can also be administered as a nasal spray. However, this must be discussed in advance with the doctor.

When is a booster vaccination necessary?

Depending on the flu susceptibility, a vaccination against flu can be boosted annually. If you are unsure whether this is necessary for your child, please contact the doctor in advance