Influenza Vaccination Rate in Germany Falls to 38 Percent Last Season
The influenza vaccination rate among high-risk groups in Germany has seen a notable decline, with only 38 percent of eligible individuals receiving the flu vaccine in the most recent season, according to data from one of the country's largest health insurers. This figure highlights a significant gap from the European Union's target, which aims for a 75 percent vaccination rate among recommended populations.
Despite the heightened awareness of infectious diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic, the willingness to get vaccinated against influenza has not increased. In fact, the highest recorded vaccination rate for individuals over 60 years old was 49 percent during the 2021/2022 winter, but this number has steadily decreased in subsequent years.
The report, based on insurance claims data, shows that the flu vaccination rate for people aged 60 and above was 38.2 percent in the previous season. Official figures from Germany's national public health institute are not yet available for the current period.
There are significant regional differences in vaccination uptake. The eastern states, particularly Saxony-Anhalt, registered the highest rates, with 52 percent of the targeted population vaccinated. Saxony and Brandenburg also performed above the national average. Conversely, southern states such as Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria had the lowest uptake, with rates as low as 24 percent.
Since 2022, pharmacies across Germany have been authorized to provide flu vaccinations as part of standard healthcare services. In the last season, 1,400 pharmacies administered a total of 121,600 influenza vaccinations. However, this option remains underutilized, with less than 29,000 individuals from the featured insurance provider taking advantage of this service. Among insured persons over 60, this accounted for just 0.43 percent, indicating substantial room for improvement in vaccination outreach and accessibility.
Health authorities recommend annual influenza vaccination for several at-risk groups. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) advises people aged 60 and above, pregnant women (especially from the second trimester, or the first trimester in cases of heightened health risk), individuals with chronic illnesses affecting the respiratory system, heart, circulation, liver, kidneys, or metabolism, as well as those with neurological conditions or immunodeficiencies, to receive the flu vaccine. Residents of elderly or care homes, people in close contact with at-risk individuals, and workers in sectors such as healthcare and animal husbandry, are also encouraged to get vaccinated.
The optimal period for influenza vaccination is between October and mid-December, providing protection before the onset of the peak flu season. Despite clear recommendations and the demonstrated effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing severe illness, many within the priority groups remain unvaccinated. Public health experts emphasize the importance of increasing vaccination rates to reduce the burden of influenza, particularly for vulnerable populations and to mitigate the impact on healthcare systems.
Efforts to improve access, such as offering vaccinations through pharmacies, aim to address barriers to uptake, but further strategies may be needed to reach the EU's vaccination goals. Continued public awareness campaigns and targeted outreach could help close the gap and protect those most at risk from seasonal influenza.