# Vaccinations in Germany: What You Need to Know [All blog posts](https://stayinsured.de/blog-subscription-page) [Health Insurance](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog) ## Vaccinations in Germany: What You Need to Know Feb 10, 2026 4 min ![](https://stayinsured.de/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_fzt6dffzt6dffzt6.jpeg) Share # Vaccinations in Germany: What You Need to Know 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. ## Is Vaccination Compulsory in Germany? Generally, no —Germany does not mandate most vaccinations. However, there is one exception: ### Mandatory: Measles Vaccination 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. ## The Impfpass (Vaccination Record) 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 ### For Children: Kinder-Untersuchungsheft Parents also receive a booklet (Kinder-Untersuchungsheft) recording: - All paediatric check-ups (U-Untersuchungen) - Development milestones - Assessments through age 6 ## Recommended Vaccinations: Children and Adolescents 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. ## Confused about health insurance in Germany? Get expert help. Book consultation ## Booster Vaccinations for Adults 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 ## Vaccinations for Those Over 60 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. ## Vaccinations for International Residents 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. ## Who Pays for Vaccinations? 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. ## Where to Get Vaccinated 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 ## Key Takeaways 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 ## Getting More Information For the latest vaccination recommendations: - STIKO : [rki.de](https://www.rki.de) - Your Hausarzt or Kinderarzt At [Stay](https://stayinsured.de/), we help international residents navigate healthcare in Germany. 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