Vaccinations and Recommendations for Schoolchildren
Vaccinations are among the most important and effective protective measures available in medicine. Modern vaccines are well tolerated, and adverse effects are observed only in rare cases. The goal of vaccination is to protect those who have been vaccinated against infectious diseases. When high vaccination rates are achieved, it is possible to eliminate individual pathogens regionally and ultimately eradicate them worldwide.
Measles
Measles is highly contagious and weakens the immune system for a long time (at least 1 year). This increases the risk of further infections. One possible long-term complication is subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a brain disease that is always fatal.
The Measles Protection Act has been in effect since March 1, 2020. It stipulates that all individuals born after 1970 who are at least one year old and attend a communal facility (e.g., daycare or school) must provide proof of immunity to measles. Immunity is established either through a documented history of having had the disease or through two doses of the vaccine. If a person has measles, they are prohibited from entering community facilities. This means that the community facility may be visited again no sooner than five days after the onset of the rash (exanthem).
Chickenpox
Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is highly contagious. Severe cases of the disease are possible. Two doses of the chickenpox vaccine are recommended for children. If a child becomes ill, they are not permitted to attend communal facilities. Close contacts who lack sufficient immunity (either due to a documented past infection or two doses of the vaccine) are also excluded for 16 days.
Additional Vaccinations
You can find information on which other vaccinations for children and adolescents are recommended by the Standing Committee on Vaccination in the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) vaccination calendar.