Vaccinations can prevent diseases and save lives. That is why, from Sunday, April 27, to Saturday, May 3, there will be a vaccination week in Europe—on the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region. Getting vaccinated usually protects not only yourself, but also those around you.
Cervical cancer rate too low
The campaign aims to prevent serious diseases such as polio from breaking out. Measles, rubella, and hepatitis B are also to be limited. In addition, cervical cancer is to be prevented. In the district of Tübingen, however, only 50.8 percent of 15-year-old girls and 29.1 percent of 15-year-old boys were vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cancer, in 2023. The WHO would like to achieve an HPV vaccination rate of 90 percent. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends this vaccination for all girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 14. It should be caught up on by the age of 18 at the latest. Anyone who is not protected against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough should also be vaccinated.
Recommended vaccinations are free of charge
Vaccinations recommended by STIKO are carried out free of charge by pediatricians and family doctors. A vaccination calendar from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for all age groups and an overview with lots of information about vaccination are available on the website www.impfen-info.de of the Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG).
Measles to be eradicated worldwide
The vaccination rate for measles has increased following the introduction of a corresponding law. In the district of Tübingen, it is well above the 95 percent required by the WHO for school-age children starting school in 2023 and 2024. This is to prevent the measles virus from spreading in daycare centers and schools, according to a press release from the district administration. The goal is to eradicate measles worldwide.
To the district administration’s press release: kreis-tuebingen | European Immunization Week
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