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Impfen oder nicht? Wichtige Informationen für Verunsicherte

To vaccinate or not? Important information for the uncertain

At a time when information about health is spreading rapidly, many parents are unsure whether or not to have their children vaccinated. Vaccination is a significant issue that has far-reaching implications for the health of individuals and communities. However, the decision to vaccinate can be accompanied by many questions and fears.

Vaccinations not only protect the vaccinated from serious diseases, they also contribute to herd immunity, which protects the entire community. Various aspects are at the forefront of the discussion about vaccinations for children, such as the importance of prevention and the weighing up of risks and benefits. This requires careful consideration of medical information and complex interrelationships.

This article highlights important factors and opinions on the subject of vaccination. The aim is to provide parents with an informed basis for decision-making, allay fears and deepen understanding of the importance of vaccination. Read on to find out what information you need to make an informed choice for your child.

Vaccinations yes or no?

Vaccinations provide important protection against serious and potentially fatal diseases. For example, tetanus kills more than one million people worldwide every year, although it is rare in Germany thanks to high vaccination rates.

The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends that a few weeks after the birth with the vaccinations. This ensures early basic immunization against diseases such as whooping cough, measles and rubella.

Advantages of the vaccination

  • Reduction of diseases: Vaccinations prevent many dangerous diseases.
  • Community protection: A high vaccination coverage rate ensures effective herd protection.
  • Less antibiotics: Vaccinations minimize the need for antibiotics, which prevents resistance.

Side effects

Side effects of vaccinations are usually harmless and temporary. The risks of a disease that can be prevented by vaccinations are significantly higher.

Introduction to the topic of vaccinations

Vaccinations are important measures to body against infectious diseases. They prepare the immune systemto better withstand attacks from viruses or bacteria. This is particularly important for newborns and infants.

There are various vaccination methods:

  • Live vaccinesThese contain a very small amount of live but attenuated pathogens.
  • Inactivated vaccinesThese are based on killed pathogens.

In order to achieve reliable protection, two to three vaccinations are often necessary with inactivated vaccines.

Vaccinations are generally very safe. Side effects such as redness or tiredness are rare and usually not serious.

They offer the great advantage of protecting against serious diseases. They also contribute to the eradication of certain diseases if enough people are vaccinated. A high vaccination rate among the population is crucial for this.

Overall, vaccinations are an important part of prevention and contribute significantly to public health. health contribute.

The usefulness of vaccinations for children

Vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting children against infectious diseases such as measles, mumps and whooping cough. Without immunization, almost all children would contract such diseases at their age. In Germany, around 90 percent of children are vaccinated to protect them from serious illnesses. The Covid vaccination for children must be particularly well tolerated and safe. Special studies have been carried out to ensure the effectiveness and safety of these vaccinations. Vaccination reactions such as Pain at the injection site or temporary fever are usually harmless and subside quickly. Vaccination complications are rare and more serious. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) at the Robert Koch Institute offers guidelines to help parents make the right decision.

Prevention of serious illnesses

Vaccinations activate the immune system and stimulate the body's defenses to prevent serious infectious diseases. The STIKO recommends that the basic immunization be given a few weeks after the birth in order to provide early protection. The risk of severe courses of Covid-19 is particularly high in children with chronic illnesses. Vaccinations underline their importance here. Vaccinations can also provide immediate protection against acute illnesses such as rabies or tetanus under certain conditions. Timely vaccinations are crucial to minimize severe disease progression and prevent the spread of disease.

Protecting the community through herd immunity

Herd immunity is achieved when enough people are vaccinated against a disease and prevent its spread. This also protects people who cannot be vaccinated, such as children with immune deficiencies or elderly people at risk. Vaccinations create this community protection and prevent the spread of diseases such as diphtheria or polio, especially if unvaccinated travelers bring them in. Herd immunity can prevent disease outbreaks and make diseases less common. In the best case scenario, they can disappear completely, as was the case with smallpox.

Risk-benefit analysis

The decision for or against vaccination is not easy. You have to weigh up the risk of serious illness from the virus against the benefits of vaccination. You should also consider the possible side effects. Studies show that the infection rate decreases significantly after vaccination. For example, vaccinated children have 90 percent fewer infections after the second vaccination. Side effects are usually flu-like and temporary. Serious complications rarely occur. The probability of suffering permanent damage as a result of vaccination is very low. In general, the risk of serious illness from the virus is greater than the risks associated with the vaccination.

Risks of Covid infection in children

Children are less likely to become seriously ill with Covid-19, but it can still happen. Some children have to be hospitalized and can suffer long-term consequences. Vaccinations often help to prevent hospitalization. They further reduce the already low risk. However, the vaccines only offer short-term protection and do not prevent all infections. There are some uncertainties, especially in very young children. Older children are less at risk. This makes it difficult to determine the optimal time for vaccinations.

Possible side effects of vaccinations

Vaccinations can side effects but are usually harmless. They often lead to redness or swelling at the injection site. Fatigue, headaches and aching limbs are signs that the body is working. Without vaccination, the risk of contracting diseases such as measles is a thousand times higher than the risk of suffering permanent damage from the vaccination. mRNA vaccines against the coronavirus can cause flu-like symptoms. One Allergic reaction is very rare, occurring in around one in 100,000 vaccinated people. On the whole, the negative effects of vaccinations are usually short-lived. However, the diseases that are prevented by vaccinations can have serious consequences.

Summary:

Advantage of vaccination

Disadvantage of the disease

Reduction of infections by 90% in children

Possible hospital stays

Rare, temporary side effects

Long-term consequences of the infection

Low risk of permanent vaccination damage

Higher risk without vaccination

The personal risk assessment and current studies must be taken into account when making a decision.

Long-term benefits of vaccinations

Vaccinations play a key role in protecting against severe COVID-19 disease. Especially in times of Omikron and other variants, it is important to build up solid basic immunity. Hybrid immunity, i.e. the combination of vaccination and infection, shows clear advantages. It offers 97.4% protection and can last for over 12 months. This protection is also comparable to the combination of a vaccination and two infections.

Solid immunity through two vaccinations and one infection protects against very severe courses. Without at least one vaccination, the risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 remains high - especially with new variants.

Reduction of the long Covid risk

Long Covid is a serious concern that can also affect children. One to five percent of infected children experience symptoms that last up to months. Vaccinations significantly reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A Swedish study shows that protection against Long Covid can be up to 60%. Vaccinated children are up to 60% less likely to suffer from Long Covid. However, further studies are needed for more precise assessments.

Reduction in the infection rate

Although protection against mild infections weakens over time, vaccines continue to provide good protection against severe disease from COVID-19. The effectiveness against the delta variant was higher, while protection was more moderate with Omikron.

Booster vaccinations are helpful in keeping the infection rate low. They increase the declining protection again and thus reduce the rate of severe courses of the disease. Those who are vaccinated have a lower chance of becoming seriously ill, even if they do become infected.

Advantages of vaccination:

  • Reduced progression of severe COVID-19 disease
  • Lower risk of long Covid in children
  • Longer-lasting protection with hybrid immunity
  • Effective booster vaccinations for additional safety

Vaccination is a crucial tool to reduce the transmission rate and severity of COVID-19. Proactive vaccination practices can help reduce the overall risk.

Importance of basic immunization

Basic immunization is crucial for protecting children from dangerous diseases. It consists of several partial vaccinations. These are necessary to build up a reliable level of immune protection. Vaccinations provide initial protection when children are not yet infected. They also improve the immune response to infections that have already occurred. The benefits of these vaccinations clearly outweigh the risk of vaccination reactions. Two to three partial vaccinations are usually necessary for inactivated vaccines. Live vaccines, on the other hand, can provide long-lasting immunity. Vaccinated children generally have higher antibody levels. This protects them better against severe courses of the disease.

Vaccination recommendations of the STIKO

The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends vaccinations in early childhood. This is to ensure the best possible protection against preventable diseases. A vaccination calendar is revised annually and the standard vaccinations are determined. These include vaccinations against diphtheria, measles, rubella and polio. The recommendations are regularly updated to reflect the latest findings. Vaccinations can often be administered in combination. For example, 6-vaccines or MMRV vaccines can provide protection against several diseases.

Time frame for vaccinations

Vaccinations should begin as early as eight weeks of age. This ensures effective basic immunization. The STIKO recommends that basic immunization against COVID-19 should be carried out in three doses. The interval between the first two doses should be 4 to 12 weeks. The meningococcal C vaccination should be given from the age of 12 months. The first pneumococcal vaccination should be given at the age of two months, the second at four months. This minimizes the risk of serious illness. After an infection, vaccination should not take place earlier than three months after infection in order not to jeopardize immunity.

Parental concerns about vaccination safety

Many parents have concerns when it comes to the safety of vaccinations. A third of German citizens fear that vaccinations could immune system of their children. Some doctors and alternative practitioners share this concern. However, the Robert Koch Institute emphasizes that infants are more affected by serious infections. This shows how important vaccinations are, especially in the first years of life.

Studies show that vaccinations do not allergies cause or aggravate allergies. In the former GDR, where the vaccination rate was high, hardly any allergies reported. Reactions such as fever or redness after a vaccination are usually mild. Severe reactions such as seizures are very rare. Nevertheless, some doctors only recommend vaccinations in cases of significant risk, as the immune system of young children is still developing.

Fear of vaccination complications

Many parents are afraid of complications that could arise from vaccinations. For example, in one in a million cases, a measles vaccination can lead to inflammation of the brain. However, harmless vaccination reactions such as swelling or inflammation are often ignored. fever are often mistaken for serious complications. Serious vaccination complications, such as abscesses or respiratory arrestrarely occur. The fear of permanent damage is often exaggerated, as there is no scientific evidence of a connection with vaccinations.

Overstraining the immune system

There is no scientific evidence that multiple vaccinations can immune system of infants. Children come into contact with many germs on a daily basis, which can immune system easily copes with. One cold strains the immune system often more than a vaccination. Vaccinations contain killed or attenuated pathogens that are immune system to form memory cells. These protect against future infections. Most vaccines are inactivated and cause targeted immune reactions without triggering a real disease. Mild reactions such as fever are normal bodily responses and differ from rare, long-term vaccine damage.

Influence of legal framework conditions

In Germany, there are clear legal requirements for vaccinations. The Measles Protection Act requires parents to provide proof of vaccination for their children. Without this proof, children are not allowed to attend community facilities such as daycare centers. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) makes recommendations on specific times and doses for vaccinations. These recommendations help parents to plan vaccinations and contribute to the prevention of disease outbreaks. Vaccinations recommended by STIKO are usually covered by statutory health insurance. This facilitates access to vaccinations for families. These regulations emphasize the social importance of vaccinations.

Compulsory vaccination and its social relevance

Vaccinations play an important role in achieving herd immunity. They reduce the spread of disease and provide protection for vulnerable groups. People who cannot be vaccinated are dependent on the protection of the community. The decision not to be vaccinated can have negative consequences. Highly contagious diseases such as measles pose a particular threat to infants and the elderly. Vaccines prevent severe courses of disease and reduce the burden on the healthcare system, which is particularly important in times of pandemic. The STIKO bases its vaccination recommendations on scientific findings, which the public health promote public health.

Access to vaccinations in different regions

In Germany, health insurance companies generally cover the costs of STIKO-recommended vaccinations. This makes access to vaccinations much easier. Special vaccinations, such as against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), are only reimbursed in risk areas. Travel vaccinations usually have to be paid for yourself and are advisable when traveling to certain countries. Due to the high vaccination rate in Germany, serious illnesses such as tetanus are rare. Vaccination recommendations vary internationally: In Norway, only one dose is recommended for adolescents in order to prevent possible minimize possible side effects. These differences show how access and recommendations can vary from country to country.

Doctors' opinions on vaccinations

In Germany, doctors recommend that both children and adults follow the guidelines of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO). This is important to keep diseases such as measles under control, where a vaccination coverage rate of 95 percent is necessary to ensure herd protection. Pediatricians emphasize that vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella are essential. These diseases can have severe courses even though they appear harmless. Modern vaccines are safe and well tolerated. Side effects are rare. The risks of vaccination are lower than the complications of the diseases. Vaccinations protect both the individual and the community, which is particularly important for unvaccinated people. Doctors emphasize that vaccination can prevent severe disease progression and death, especially in children with pre-existing conditions.

Medical education and recommendations

Pediatricians provide comprehensive education about the benefits and potential side effects of the vaccinations. Before vaccination, they take a medical history to rule out contraindications. After the vaccination, they advise on the correct behavior. Each vaccination is documented and a certificate is issued to ensure the vaccination history. A good relationship of trust between parents and doctors is crucial. In this way, even skeptical parents can be helped to build trust in vaccinations. Doctors not only take medical facts into account, but also the individual concerns of parents.

Personal experiences of medical specialists

Dr. Stefan Schmidt-Troschke believes it is important to take parents' questions about vaccination seriously and informs them about the STIKO recommendations. Dr. Martin Karsten recommends starting vaccination from the age of eight weeks. Specialists emphasize that modern vaccines are well tolerated and that rare side effects appear minimal compared to the dangers of the diseases. Dr. Stefan Schmidt-Troschke emphasizes the value of early vaccination, although some parents find this uncomfortable. It is important to distinguish between transient vaccination reactions and serious complications, which are rarer. Understanding this difference is central to decision-making by doctors and parents.

Conclusion: Making an informed decision

The decision for or against vaccination is important. Patients should make this decision together with their doctors. They must consider the risk of a severe course of the disease. The benefit of the vaccination is also important. If someone is seriously ill, you should wait. But after an infection, vaccination may be necessary immediately. Vaccinations help the immune system. They train it against harmless enemies. This can prevent serious illnesses and deaths. In children in particular, vaccination reduces the risk of serious illnesses, such as meningococcal disease. Current studies show that vaccinated children are hospitalized less often. This is why vaccination is responsible.

Important factors for the parents' decision

Parents must be well informed. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) makes recommendations. You should be familiar with these in order to make a decision about vaccinating your children. Vaccination calendars from the Robert Koch Institute provide clear information. They show when which vaccinations are necessary. Parents should assess the risks individually. They may have different safety needs and questions. Before vaccination, dangers such as high fever or a weakened immune system should be discussed. Herd protection is important. It shows that vaccinations not only protect the vaccinated person. The community also benefits because they prevent the spread of diseases.

Recommendations for further information

STIKO recommends using mRNA- and protein-based vaccines. They offer optimal protection. Different age groups must be taken into account. Vaccinations in early childhood are crucial. Some diseases are very severe during this period. This is why STIKO recommends vaccinations a few weeks after the birth. Information about benefits and side effects can be found on the STIKO website. It can also be found in special materials. The statutory health insurance fund pays for recommended vaccinations for children. This relieves parents financially. The Measles Protection Act has been in force since March 1, 2020. People born after 1970 who are two years old or older must present two vaccinations or proof of immunity.

Child vaccination - yes or no?

Vaccinations are an important shield against preventable infectious diseases. Even if they occur less frequently nowadays, they can still pose serious risks. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends starting the first vaccinations a few weeks after the child is born. birth birth. This is particularly important as many diseases can be more severe in infants. Recommended vaccinations include diphtheria, measles, mumps and rubella. Vaccinations against pneumococcus and meningococcus are also recommended. Most side effects of vaccinations are mild, such as slight pain at the injection site or fever. Serious side effects occur only rarely. Combination vaccines help to simplify the vaccination process for children.

What are the benefits of vaccination?

There are many reasons in favor of vaccinations. They significantly reduce the risk of complications and serious illnesses. This is particularly true for children with pre-existing conditions. Vaccinations can also reduce the risk of long Covid symptoms. These also occur after mild or asymptomatic infections. In the short term, vaccinations reduce the infection rate among vaccinated children and adolescents. They also protect against potentially fatal diseases such as meningococcal disease. These can have serious consequences such as meningitis. Overall, vaccinations help to prevent permanent damage to health or death in children.

The pediatrician's vaccination service

Pediatricians play a crucial role in vaccination education. The STIKO recommends that they provide parents with comprehensive information. Especially about the necessary vaccinations in early childhood. This guarantees optimal vaccination protection. Pediatricians point out the low risks of vaccinations, which are often only mild. side effects. At the same time, they point out the serious complications that disease-related infections can cause. Early vaccination prevents dangerous diseases in infants and young children. Pediatricians also provide information about combination vaccines. These offer protection against several infectious diseases with just one vaccination. Vaccinations can protect against life-threatening outbreaks of common childhood diseases such as measles or rubella in particular.

Vaccinations for children

Recommended diseases

First vaccinations

Diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella

Additionally

Pneumococcus, meningococcus


Source: istockphoto andreswd

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