Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself (and others) from preventable diseases.
Hence, vaccinations in Germany are widely recommended (sometimes, even legally required) and deeply integrated into public health policy.
Still, figuring out how the system works can feel overwhelming for newcomers and long-time residents: What vaccines are recommended? Who decides that? And how much does health insurance cover?
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How the German vaccination system works
- What vaccines are recommended for children, adults, travelers, and pregnant women
- Where to get vaccinated
- What statutory and private health insurance plans cover (and don’t cover)
- What to do if you experience severe side effects from vaccinations
Let’s dive right into it.
How does the vaccination system work in Germany?
The Infection Protection Act (Infektionsschutzgesetz or IfSG) is the foundation of Germany’s vaccination system.
It dictates how vaccinations are approved, recommended, financed, and delivered. It ensures that public health measures, including vaccines, are grounded in legal and scientific standards.
Here’s how the regulation is structured:
- The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) develops official vaccine recommendations, which the government uses to determine which vaccines are covered by health insurance.
- The Federal Ministry of Health (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit) sets the overarching public health policy and ensures alignment with European Union (EU) regulations.
- The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (a federal agency) approves vaccines for Germany. It evaluates clinical trials to ensure safety, efficacy, and quality. PEI also oversees drug safety and monitors side effects.
- Many vaccines in Germany are first approved by the European Medicines Agency, which provides centralized approvals across all EU countries. PEI participates in this process to adapt decisions to Germany.
- Germany’s federal states are responsible for implementing vaccination programs. Local public health offices (Gesundheitsämter) organize regional vaccination campaigns, especially for schools.
The German vaccination record (Impfpass)
The Impfpass is Germany’s official vaccination record booklet. It’s a small yellow document that records every vaccine you receive, and it is recognized across the EU and in most other countries.
If you recently moved to Germany, your GP or local health office can issue a new Impfpass and transcribe verified vaccines into it.
If you don’t have any documents, doctors will help you reconstruct your vaccine history based on self-reporting.
Depending on your vaccination history, they may recommend catch-up vaccinations where necessary.
What vaccines are recommended in Germany?
STIKO’s schedule lays out the most essential vaccines recommended at different life stages:
If the image above seems intimidating, don’t worry. Here’s a simplified explanation of what vaccines are required for different groups:
Standard vaccinations for children and adolescents
| Vaccine | Protects against | When it’s given |
| DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, hepatitis B | 3 doses given at 2, 4, and 6 months old. A booster dose is given at 15-18 months. |
| MMR | Measles, mumps, rubella | Two doses starting at 11 months. Legally required since 2020. |
| Varicella | Chickenpox | Two doses beginning at 11 months old (often paired with MMR) |
| Pneumococcal | Pneumonia, meningitis, and other pneumococcal infections | 4 doses, given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months old. |
| Rotavirus | Severe diarrhea caused by rotavirus | Three doses. Given at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months old. |
| HPV | Human papillomavirus (linked to cervical and other cancers) | Recommended starting at age 9 (for all children, boys and girls) |
Standard vaccinations for adults
| Vaccine | Protects against | When it’s given |
| Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis | Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough | Booster recommended every 10 years (with Tdap once in adulthood) |
| MMR | Measles, mumps, rubella | Required for adults born after 1970 without complete documentation |
| Polio | Poliomyelitis | A booster is given if primary vaccination is incomplete or in preparation for travel |
| Influenza | Seasonal flu | Every year, especially for 60+, pregnant women, and at-risk groups |
| Pneumococcal | Pneumonia and other pneumococcal diseases | Once at age 60 or earlier with a chronic illness |
| Herpes zoster (shingles) | Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia | Starting at age 60, or age 50 in case of certain chronic conditions |
| COVID-19 | COVID-19 and severe illness | Annual booster recommended for 60+ and high-risk individuals |
Standard vaccinations for travel
| Vaccine | Protects against | When it’s recommended |
| Cholera | Severe diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae | For travel to outbreak regions with poor sanitation |
| TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) | Viral infection affecting the brain, transmitted by ticks | For rural or forested areas in Central or Eastern Europe, including parts of Germany |
| Yellow fever | Viral hemorrhagic fever | Mandatory for entry into some African/South American countries; requires proof of vaccination in your Impfpass |
| Hepatitis A | Liver infection caused by contaminated food/water | For travel to countries with lower hygiene standards |
| Hepatitis B | Bloodborne liver infection | For long-term travel, healthcare work, or exposure to blood/medical procedures |
| Japanese encephalitis | Mosquito-borne brain infection | For rural travel in Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions |
| Malaria prophylaxis | Prevents malaria (via medication) | For tropical or subtropical countries with malaria risk |
| Meningococcus type ACWY | Bacterial meningitis | Required for Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage; recommended for sub-Saharan Africa travel |
| Meningococcus type C | Bacterial meningitis | For close-contact or outbreak regions, especially in Africa or Asia |
| Rabies | Fatal viral disease from animal bites | For remote travel, animal exposure risk, or longer stays |
| Typhus (typhoid fever) | Bacterial infection from contaminated food/water | For travel to areas with limited sanitation and food safety |
Standard vaccination during pregnancy
| Vaccine | Protects against | When it’s recommended |
| Pertussis (whooping cough) | Whooping cough, which can be severe in newborns | The third trimester of every pregnancy, to protect the infant |
| Influenza (flu) | Seasonal flu, which can be more severe during pregnancy | During flu season, regardless of trimester |
| COVID-19 | Severe illness from SARS-CoV-2 | To establish or complete basic immunity, depending on prior status |
Depending on individual health, travel plans, or risk factors, doctors may assess additional needs per case.
Where can you get vaccinated?
In Germany, vaccines are given in multiple places, depending on your age, health status, and the type of vaccine:
1. General Practitioners (GPs)
Most adults and children receive vaccines through Hausärzte (family doctors) or pediatricians.
These clinics track your vaccination history and provide reminders for follow-ups.
They’re ideal for routine shots and catch-up schedules, like tetanus boosters or flu.
Learn more about how to visit a doctor in Germany.
2. Public health offices (Gesundheitsämter)
They offer free vaccinations in many cities, particularly for:
- School-entry health checks
- Refugees or uninsured individuals
- Large-scale campaigns (e.g., measles elimination)
They also handle international vaccination certificates for when you travel.
3. Pharmacies
As of 2022, pharmacies in Germany are allowed to administer flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
This is great for people who don’t regularly visit a GP.
Not all pharmacies offer this service, so contact them in advance to confirm.
Learn more about how pharmacies work in Germany.
4. Schools and workplaces
Schools may coordinate vaccinations like HPV or measles for eligible students, often in collaboration with local health authorities.
Employers and universities also sometimes run on-site vaccination, especially during flu season.
Does health insurance cover vaccinations?
In Germany, the type of health insurance you have, public (GKV) or private (PKV), can impact what vaccines are covered and how costs are reimbursed.
Let’s take a closer look:
What public health insurance (GKV) covers
Public health insurance covers all STIKO-recommended vaccines.
In some cases, extra vaccines, like travel vaccinations, may be covered depending on your insurance.
TK, BARMER, and AOK cover all 11 travel vaccines mentioned previously. DAK only covers 10.
What private insurance (PKV) covers
Private health insurance coverage can vary widely depending on your insurer, plan tier, and individual contract terms.
For example, Feather covers 100% of the cost for all STIKO-recommended vaccines.
The only exception is for work-required vaccinations. In these cases, your employer is responsible for payment or reimbursement.
Feather also covers a wide range of travel-related vaccines at 100%, including:
- Cholera
- Dengue
- FSME (tick-borne encephalitis)
- Japanese encephalitis
- Yellow fever
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A & B
If you’re not insured with Feather
Other private plans may not offer the same coverage (though generally, it looks similar). Still, to avoid unexpected costs, you should:
- Contact your insurer in advance to confirm your coverage
- Ask if you need a prescription or cost estimate for pre-approving your reimbursement.
Are vaccines safe in Germany?
Yes. Vaccines used in Germany are subject to many evaluations before approval and continuous monitoring after rollout.
Both national and European agencies continually assess safety and effectiveness.
Mild side effects, like low-grade fever, fatigue, or soreness at the injection site, are common. But severe reactions are rare.
Yet, understanding what to do in case of an issue is essential for those experiencing serious reactions.
When to seek medical attention
Contact a doctor if you experience:
- High fever lasting more than 48 hours
- Severe allergic reactions (rash, shortness of breath, swelling) lasting for more than 24 hours
- Any neurological symptoms (seizures, confusion, persistent headaches)
- Persistent injection site swelling or pain beyond 72 hours
Most side effects are short-lived. If you’re in doubt, try waiting a few hours before contacting emergency services.
When to report adverse side effects
You should consider reporting side effects if:
- If you have any unexpected or severe reaction
- Those reactions required medical treatment
- The side effects experienced were not listed in the vaccine information booklet.
How to report adverse effects
Anyone can report vaccine side effects to the PEI. All you have to do is file a report using the PEI’s reporting forms (in English or German).
Make sure your reports include:
- The name of the vaccine
- Date and type of reaction
- Your age and any notable health background (or the patient’s, if you’re filling it out on someone’s behalf)
Conclusion
Understanding how vaccination works in Germany is crucial for making informed health decisions and meeting legal or travel requirements.
Whether raising a child, planning a trip, or just catching up on adult boosters, knowing what’s recommended and covered can save you time, money, and stress.
If you’re unsure what’s next, talk to your doctor about your immunization schedule and ask which vaccines might be due.
And if you’re still exploring your health insurance options or have other vaccine-related questions, don’t hesitate to let us know.
