Impfquoten: Nur 10 Prozent der Kinder mit Risiken gegen Grippe geimpft

Only about 10% of children with health risks in Germany have been vaccinated against influenza, according to an analysis by the Robert Koch Institute. The data is based on billing records from health associations covering the past eleven flu seasons, from 2014 to 2025. The institute estimates that if the vaccination rate remains unchanged, 1.1 million children and teenagers with underlying conditions will be unprotected against influenza during the upcoming season.

The Stiko strongly recommends adhering to the vaccination recommendation to protect at-risk children and teenagers. Experts emphasize that influenza is often not perceived as a significant threat. Children and teenagers with chronic respiratory diseases, heart conditions, diabetes, or obesity are at increased risk of severe influenza, hospitalization, intensive care, or even death.

The Ständige Impfkommission (Stiko) in a statement explains that these children and teenagers are at higher risk of severe illness, requiring hospitalization and intensive care, or even death. Immunization can prevent severe disease outcomes and should be administered annually in the fall or winter, as recommended. The low vaccination rate may be attributed to the perception of influenza as a minor threat, forgetfulness, or lack of physician follow-up. Studies suggest that anxiety about side effects plays a minor role.