VACCINATIONS
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends two vaccinations for all children.
The first vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 and 14 months
the second vaccination should be given between the ages of 15 and 23 months, with a gap of at least four weeks between the two doses.
Despite the possibility of vaccination reactions, the vaccination is generally well tolerated. About 5% of vaccinated people may experience redness or swelling at the injection site, along with occasional swelling of nearby lymph nodes, within the first three days after receiving the vaccination. Other short-term symptoms, such as a slight to moderate fever, headaches, fatigue, or gastrointestinal complaints, may also occur. It is also very rare for allergic reactions, prolonged joint inflammation or febrile seizure may to occur after vaccination.
Because it is a live vaccine with weakened viruses, about 2-5% of vaccinated people may develop mild, non-transmissible "vaccination measles" one to four weeks after receiving the vaccination. This may include a fever and a mild rash similar to measles. Slight swelling of the parotid gland may also occur occasionally.
MORE INFORMATION:
MUMPS
is a viral illness that is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the parotid glands. It can be a very difficult experience, especially for young children who contract the disease. Unfortunately, about a third of these children may not show any signs of the illness themselves, but they can still spread the disease to others.
In Germany, it is estimated that about 700 cases of mumps are reported each year.
Symptoms of mumps can include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swollen salivary glands. These symptoms can be quite uncomfortable and can affect a person's daily life. In some cases, mumps can also cause complications such as swelling of the testicles or ovaries, deafness, inflammation of the brain and/or tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (encephalitis/meningitis), and, in rare cases, death.
Mumps is a transmissible viral disease that occurs worldwide and in all seasons. It is usually transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with saliva. In rare cases, inflammation of the pancreas or auditory nerve may also occur, which can lead to permanent hearing damage in very rare cases.
Boys who are older when they get mumps are more likely to have their testicles become infected, which can be a painful experience. In about one-third of males affected after puberty, the testicles become inflamed. This inflammation can potentially limit fertility, although infertility is rare.
In older girls and women, the mammary glands and, rarely, the ovaries can become inflamed.
It is important to remember that mumps is a viral illness and, as with many other viral illnesses, the disease itself cannot be treated. However, the symptoms of mumps can be managed and treated to help alleviate discomfort.
While receiving a two-dose vaccination for mumps can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the disease, it is still possible to get mumps even after being fully vaccinated. However, those who have received both doses of the vaccination tend to have a milder case of the illness and a lower risk of complications.
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MEASLES
is one of the most contagious infectious diseases in humans. It is transmitted from person to person, for example through sneezing or speaking, and almost all people without immunity will become ill after coming into contact with the virus.
Measles causes fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Complications can include ear infection, diarrhea, pneumonia, brain damage, and death. Serious complications are more common in children under the age of 5 and adults over the age of 20.
There is no specific treatment for measles; only the symptoms can be managed.
Infants born to mothers who have had measles themselves or to vaccinated mothers often have maternal antibodies against measles in the first few months of life, known as "nest protection." These antibodies disappear as the infant gets older.
Since infants are not typically vaccinated against measles until the age of 9 months, there is a period of time in which they are vulnerable to infection, known as the "immunity gap." Infants can be protected from infection during this time if at least 95% of the population is immune to measles, as this helps to prevent the disease from spreading in the population. This is known as a "cocoon strategy."
German Masernschutzgesetz, or measles protection law:
This law aims to boost vaccination rates to protect communities, especially children in daycare, schools, and other communal spaces. Gaps in coverage lead to numerous measles cases annually in Germany, posing a threat to child health. For daycare attendance, children aged one and above must be vaccinated, supported by documentation like a vaccination card or a doctor's certificate. This is a crucial step in achieving the 95% immunity needed for measles elimination. Importantly, this requirement excludes school-aged children and babies under one.
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RUBELLA
is a viral infection that is spread through droplets in the air, such as when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
While it can cause symptoms like fever, sore throat, rash, headache, and red, itchy eyes, it is most dangerous for pregnant women. If a woman gets rubella while she is pregnant, it can lead to miscarriage or birth defects in the baby.
The virus is found all over the world and can be easily spread by people who do not even know they have it. In fact, it is contagious a week before the rash appears, and many infected children have no or only mild symptoms. Even if a person does have the rash, it is often not recognized as rubella because it is absent in over half of those infected.
The main reason for getting the rubella vaccine is to protect pregnant women and their babies. If a pregnant woman becomes infected with rubella, it can cause serious problems for the unborn child, even if the mother does not feel sick.
In the past, it was thought that only girls and women who wanted to have children needed the rubella vaccine. However, we now know that unvaccinated people can put pregnant women in their community at risk. By getting vaccinated, you can help protect not just yourself, but also the people around you.
Resources:
https://www.masernschutz.de/download/4433-1663838726-Merkblatt-Masernschutzgesetz-Eltern-ENG.pdf/
https://www.impfen-info.de/impfempfehlungen/fuer-kinder-0-12-jahre/masern/
https://www.impfen-info.de/impfempfehlungen/fuer-kinder-0-12-jahre/mumps/
https://www.impfen-info.de/impfempfehlungen/fuer-kinder-0-12-jahre/roeteln/
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