Share:
New STIKO vaccination recommendations with several adjustments
Vaccinations are a very effective remedy for various viral infections. Which vaccinations are recommended is determined in Germany by the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). Their vaccination recommendations are updated annually to reflect current developments and insights. For example, the new vaccination recommendations now published show changes in hepatitis A and B, influenza and tetanus vaccines.
The RKI's Epidemiological Bulletin 34 has published the new STIKO vaccine recommendations and there are some changes, especially in terms of the number of people and the time intervals between vaccinations. Newly recommended vaccinations have not been added. However, a section on vaccinations was supplemented in immunocompromised patients. Furthermore, the STIKO also explains why the vaccine against herpes zoster (with a live vaccine) is currently not recommended as a standard vaccine.
The STIKO has published its new vaccination recommendations and has made some minor changes in the vaccines against influenza, tetanus and hepatitis A and B. (Image: esben468635 / fotolia.com) Only a few adjustments in the current recommendations
The vaccination recommendations of STIKO form the guideline for the use of vaccination in Germany, even if there is no obligation to comply with this recommendation. As part of the annual update of the vaccination recommendations, the latest findings and developments are implemented, which can bring about major changes. However, the new vaccination recommendations now published contain only a few adjustments, which mainly relate to the vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, influenza and tetanus.
Hepatitis vaccinations recommended for a larger group of people
In the case of hepatitis A and B vaccinations, the STIKO has adapted the group of people to whom these vaccinations are recommended. Henceforth, volunteers who are at risk of exposure comparable to those employed by professionals should also be considered. Furthermore, apprentices, students and interns in these areas are now explicitly mentioned. "The STIKO clarifies that the indication for vaccination is to be assessed on the basis of the exposure risk actually associated with the respective activity and is not limited to certain occupational groups," according to the RKI communication.
Recommendation adapted to influenza vaccination in children
Already last year, STIKO had suspended its recommendations on the preferred influenza vaccine in children aged two to six years by means of a live vaccine administered via the nose. Now, this recommendation has been definitively withdrawn because, according to the STIKO, "in recent years, no superior efficacy has been demonstrated compared to the inactivated vaccines."
Tetanus: Booster vaccine only after ten years
In tetanus vaccination, the current vaccination recommendations have adjusted the time between booster doses. Only in 2016 did STIKO call for a reduction of the deadline from ten to five years, which is now being withdrawn. "The STIKO only recommends a booster dose for tetanus in minor, clean wounds if more than ten years have passed since the last vaccination," reports the RKI. This is also consistent with the recommendation of a routine revitalization of tetanus vaccine every ten years.
Vaccination recommendations for people with weak immune systems
Rather editorial character has a newly added section on vaccinations in patients with immunodeficiency or immunosuppression. Under the leadership of the STIKO, detailed application instructions for vaccinations in patients with immunodeficiency or immunosuppression are currently being prepared, which will be published in four separate publications in the Bundesgesundheitsblatt by the beginning of 2018, according to the RKI.
Herpes vaccine not recommended as a standard vaccine
The STIKO also explains why it does not recommend vaccination with a live attenuated vaccine to prevent herpes zoster (HZ) or caused by HZ nerve pains (postherpetic neuralgia) as a standard vaccine. The decision is based on the systematic evaluation of data on the efficacy, duration of protection and safety of the vaccine. For example, the likelihood of developing HZ and the severity of the disease increases significantly with age, whereas the effectiveness of the vaccine decreases with age. In addition, the term of protection of the vaccine was proven only for a few years. The decision was corroborated by a mathematical modeling of the expected epidemiological effects. (Fp)