Make three out of four: New vaccination recommendations for babies

Lisa Vogel studied departmental journalism with a focus on medicine and biosciences at Ansbach University and deepened her journalistic knowledge in the master's degree in multimedia information and communication. This was followed by a traineeship in the editorial team. Since September 2020 she has been writing as a freelance journalist for

More posts by Lisa Vogel All content is checked by medical journalists.

The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has adjusted its recommendation for six-fold vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, Haemophilus influenzae type b and hepatitis B. The institute recommends the reduced "2 + 1 vaccination schedule" with immediate effect - the little ones have to endure one less injection.

Up until now, babies were given the first primary vaccination injection at the age of two months. Two more gifts followed at three and four months. Half a year later, the fourth.

One less vaccination

Now the STIKO recommends the reduced 2 + 1 scheme with one less vaccination. To ensure reliable vaccination protection, paediatricians give the first immunization early, namely at the age of eight weeks. The second immunization then follows at the age of four months. Six months later, at eleven months, the children get the third injection. The previous second vaccine dose at the age of three months will no longer apply.

In order for the vaccine to work in the long term, it is important to keep an interval of at least six months between the second and third vaccine dose. The vaccination series should be completed on the first birthday.

Premature babies need four vaccinations

On the other hand, premature babies born before the 37th week of pregnancy are recommended by the STIKO experts to be vaccinated according to the 3 + 1 scheme due to the not yet fully developed immune system. As before, you will receive four injection syringes in the second, third, fourth and eleventh months.

The experts also advise children who have already received the second vaccine dose before the age of four months to complete the vaccination series according to the 3 + 1 scheme.

Booster vaccination after ten years

The first booster is given as a triple vaccination against tetanus, pertussis and diphtheria when the children are five to six years old. Doctors give the next booster dose between the ages of nine and 16. It again contains vaccines against whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus, but also a polio vaccine is included. The booster vaccinations ensure that the vaccination protection remains in place.

Even in adulthood, vaccinations against whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus should be refreshed every ten years. However, polio is only necessary if you travel to appropriate risk areas. You can find out when which vaccination is due in the vaccination calendar.

The vaccination schedule should become easier

With the change, the STIKO wants to simplify the vaccination schedule and save a doctor's appointment for parents and children. This makes it easier to implement the vaccination recommendation in a timely and complete manner.

It is also intended to reduce the need for vaccination doses. That in turn would counteract a bottleneck and save costs.

Vaccination protects against disease

Vaccinations are one of the most important and effective preventive measures in the fight against infectious diseases. For decades, the routine basic immunization of infants against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, Haemophilus influenzae type b and hepatitis B. The vaccination has made a significant contribution to the prevention of diseases. For example, poliomyelitis is now considered to be eradicated in Germany.

Modern vaccines are well tolerated, serious so-called adverse drug effects after vaccinations are very rare. There is no evidence that multiple vaccines overload the immune system.

Tags:  palliative medicine alternative medicine pregnancy