Vaccines are among the most effective preventive health measures available. While Germany generally doesn't mandate vaccinations, there is one exception—and the Standing Commission on Vaccination (STIKO) provides comprehensive recommendations for all ages.
This guide explains the vaccination landscape for international residents.
Generally, no—Germany does not mandate most vaccinations.
However, there is one exception:
The Measles Protection Act (Masernschutzgesetz), effective since March 2020, requires:
| Who Must Be Vaccinated | Details |
|---|---|
| Children in daycare/school | Before starting |
| Staff in childcare facilities | Proof required |
| Healthcare workers | Proof required |
| Asylum seekers in shared housing | Proof required |
Penalty for non-compliance: Children may be excluded from attending daycare or school, and fines can apply.
When vaccinated in Germany, you receive an Impfpass—a yellow booklet documenting all your vaccinations.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Yellow booklet (internationally recognised format) |
| Contents | All vaccinations with dates and types |
| Use | Show to doctors; keep for life |
Parents also receive a booklet (Kinder-Untersuchungsheft) recording:
STIKO recommends the following vaccines for children:
| Vaccine | Protects Against |
|---|---|
| DTaP | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) |
| IPV | Poliomyelitis (polio) |
| Hib | Haemophilus influenzae type B |
| HepB | Hepatitis B |
| MMR | Measles, mumps, rubella |
| Varicella | Chickenpox |
| Rotavirus | Rotavirus infection |
| Pneumococcal | Pneumococcal infection |
| MenC | Meningococcal C infection |
| HPV | Human papillomavirus (for boys and girls) |
These are typically given according to a schedule starting at 6 weeks of age through adolescence.
STIKO recommends adults maintain protection with boosters:
| Vaccine | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Tetanus and diphtheria | Every 10 years |
| Pertussis (whooping cough) | Once as adult (with next Td booster) |
| Measles | One dose for those born after 1970 with unclear vaccination history |
STIKO recommends additional vaccinations for older adults:
| Vaccine | Details |
|---|---|
| Influenza (flu) | Annually in autumn |
| Pneumococcal | Single dose |
| Herpes zoster (shingles) | Two doses |
Additional vaccines may be recommended based on individual health conditions.
If you're new to Germany:
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| No vaccination record | Consult a doctor; may need to restart schedule |
| Records from home country | Bring translated copies; may be accepted |
| Children entering school/daycare | Measles vaccination required |
Most standard international vaccinations are recognised in Germany.
| Insurance Type | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Public insurance (GKV) | All STIKO-recommended vaccines covered |
| Private insurance (PKV) | Typically covered; check your policy |
| No insurance | Must pay out-of-pocket |
The German public health insurance system spends approximately €1.5 billion annually on vaccinations.
| Location | Notes |
|---|---|
| Hausarzt (general practitioner) | Most common |
| Kinderarzt (paediatrician) | For children |
| Gesundheitsamt (public health office) | Free vaccines available |
| Pharmacies | Some vaccines (flu) available in pharmacies |
| Topic | Remember |
|---|---|
| Measles | Mandatory for children in school/daycare |
| Other vaccines | Recommended, not required |
| Impfpass | Keep your vaccination booklet for life |
| GKV coverage | All recommended vaccines are free |
| Boosters | Diphtheria/tetanus every 10 years |
For the latest vaccination recommendations:
At Stay, we help international residents navigate healthcare in Germany. If you have questions about vaccinations or other health matters, we're here to help.