Vaccinations in the first Year of Life

Background: Based on regional epidemiological circumstances, various routine vaccinations are recommended during the first year of life worldwide. This is justified given the specific risks for infectious diseases in young infants. Objective: Description of the currently recommended standard vaccinations in Germany in comparison to other European countries. Deliberations on the schedules and implementation in Germany. Methods: Analysis of available published data and evidence as well as comments as an expert opinion. Results: In Germany, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) currently recommends immunization against diseases caused by 12 infectious pathogens: rotavirus, diphtheria (D), tetanus (T), pertussis, poliomyelitis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B, pneumococci, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and varicella. For inactivated combination vaccination a “2 + 1” schedule (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, PCV) and an accelerated “3 + 1” schedule (all others, also for PCV in preterm infants) are recommended from 2 months of age onwards. Oral live-attenuated rotavirus vaccination is recommended over the age of 6 weeks and MMR/varicella at ≥11 months of age. Approximate coverage rates at the age of 24 months for 4 doses in D,T and acellular pertussis (aP), IPV and Hib are approximately 80%, hepatitis B 73%, PCV 72%, for MMR doses1 and 2, 94% and 70%, compared to 88% and 64% for varicella, respectively. No coverage rates are known for rotavirus vaccination. Conclusion: Standard vaccination recommendations for infants in Germany are comprehensive and the timing is well-justified. Their acceptance is overall good; however, the timing for implementation of vaccinations in the first (and second) year of life shows substantial room for improvement. © 2017, Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH.