Vaccination protection

In infancy and toddlerhood, vaccination is a recurring topic in the context of medical check-ups. In adolescence, on the other hand, further vaccinations are quickly forgotten. Between the ages of 12 and 17, however, a review of vaccination protection is strongly recommended. Boosters and missing vaccinations can be caught up on now.

Adolescents are rarely ill during their teenage years and therefore rarely visit a doctor. This makes it all the more important to have their vaccination status checked. Either as part of the J1 examination or during a separate vaccination check. Before school trips, school exchanges or vacation trips to distant countries, it is particularly important to build up recommended vaccination protection at an early stage.

Good to know: The costs of the vaccinations recommended by STIKO during adolescence are covered by statutory health insurance.

Refresher vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio are due between the ages of 9 and 17. The booster must then be repeated every 10 years. Practical: A single dose of a combination vaccine protects against all four infectious diseases.

If you missed vaccination appointments as a child, these vaccinations can now be caught up on. This applies, for example, to hepatitis B or the 2nd measles vaccination.

One of the recommended vaccinations that can only be given in adolescence is the useful vaccination against HPV (human papillomavirus) for girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 14.

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are pathogens that are transmitted through sexual contact. Most infections are asymptomatic and often go unnoticed. If the infection does not heal, the viruses can lead to cancer over time, particularly on the cervix, but also on the anus or penis and in the mouth and throat. The HPV vaccination provides effective protection against the most dangerous HPV types and therefore reduces the risk of these cancers.

The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends vaccination against HPV for girls and boys. As the pathogens are usually transmitted during sexual intercourse, vaccination is recommended before the first sexual activity. Between the ages of 9 and 14, 2 vaccinations are necessary. If your child has not yet been vaccinated, the HPV vaccination should be completed by their 18th birthday. From the age of 15, 3 vaccinations are necessary.