Vaccinations
Vaccinations are one of the most effective medical resources. Modern vaccinations offer reliable protection, are cost effective and have very few side effects.
Modern vaccines are usually "active killed vaccines". "Killed" vaccines mean that no living virus/ bacteria is injected. An "active" vaccination enables the body to develop antibodies against dangerous viruses, and in doing so allows for long-term, reliable protection against many serious illnesses. Illness that has already manifested cannot be cured by an active vaccination. Modern inoculations strengthen the body's immune system so it can successfully guard against the contraction of new viruses.
Vaccinations for Germany
The following vaccinations are recommended for adults living in Germany.
Tetanus
Diphtheria
After a primary triple vaccination a single booster is required once every 10 years. Even after a longer break a booster is sufficient to ensure adequate protection – the primary shots are not administered a second time.
Polio
After a primary inoculation in childhood a single booster is all that is recommended in adulthood. Polio is no longer present in Germany and since its eradication several years ago, and since the use of the modern "killed" vaccine, polio infection side effects no longer manifest after inoculation.
Influenza
The influenza vaccination effectively protects against the flu virus. The flu virus can cause serious illness particularly in the aged, where it can be deadly. The vaccine is newly developed each year to protect against the seasonal-specific virus. Patients should be immunised in autumn, which provides protection for around 6 months.
The flu vaccine is recommended in particular for patients over 60 years of age, people suffering from chronic illness, and those who work in professions that put them at a higher risk of contracting the virus (eg: health sector workers, public transport sector).
Pneumococcal
The vaccination against pneumococcal protects against a severe form of this lung infection. It is recommended for all people over 60 years of age and those suffering from chronic illness. A single inoculation provides cover for 6 years.
Tick borne encephalitis
This inoculation protects against a meningeal infection commonly transmitted by ticks. The vaccination is recommended for all residents of Baden-Württemberg and the cost of vaccination is covered by compulsory medical insurance. A three phase inoculation protects for three years at which point it must be re-administered. You can find additional information at: www.zecke.de
Vaccinations for overseas travel
Vaccinations to guard against a number of serious viruses are recommended for people planning to travel outside of Europe.
Yellow Fever
Vaccination against the acutely dangerous yellow fever is recommended for those travelling to a number of African countries as well as a number of countries in South America.
The Yellow Fever vaccination is a live vaccine that:
» has few side effects
» provides cover for 10 years (one dose only)
» is possible to administer in children aged six months or older
» is able to be administered in combination with other vaccinations
Restrictions apply to:
» People with allergies to egg white.
» People with severe or chronic illnesses
» During pregnancy
» People who have taken other live virus vaccines within a 2-4 week period.
Yellow Fever vaccinations can only be administered at specially authorised centres (including Marianum). The vaccination has few side effects and provides protection for 10 years. You can find more detailed information at: www.fit-for-travel.de
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is present throughout the world and is transmitted through contaminated food (notably seafood) and water. Illness is most prevalent in Mediterranean countries. The new vaccination has few side effects and should be administered before travel to Southern Europe or other travel outside of Central Europe. The vaccine is effective even if administered only a short time before travel departure.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is present throughout the world, however, with a higher prevalence in Africa and South East Asia. Transmission is from person to person, for example, through unprotected sex, tears and saliva. The risk of infection is also higher when receiving medical treatment in countries that do not always use sterilised equipment. Risk of transmission is also higher with dental procedures and tattooing. Chronic Hepatitis B can result in sorosis of the liver and liver cancer.
Two injections (with a four week gap in between) provide effective cover. Three injections offer protection for 10 years.
There is a readily available, low side-effect, combination vaccination, which provides cover against Hepatitis A and B.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of an infected mammal. In almost all cases Rabies is deadly. Higher rates of infection are found in Asia, Africa and Middle and South America. Vaccination offers excellent protection. Anyone bitten by an animal in a high risk area (who is not already vaccinated) should receive a concurrent vaccination to protect against the disease (i.e.: a combination of immunoglobulin and the active rabies vaccination).
Typhoid
The typhoid bacterium is transmitted through contaminated water or food and results in serious illness and high fever. The vaccination is recommended for those looking to travel to any region with comparably lower hygiene standards to Europe.
The typhoid vaccine can be administered orally (offering 1 year protection) or as an injection (offering 3 years protection). Both vaccines have a protection rate of around 70 per cent.
Meningococcal disease
Meningococcal disease is an airborne infection transmitted from person to person. It results in a severe meningeal (brain) infection with a high risk of death. It is strongly recommended for people travelling to Saudi Arabia on the Hajj. It is also recommended for longer stays in high risk areas of Africa.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese Encephalitis is transmitted by mosquitoes in many areas of South East Asia and is the most common cause of viral brain infection. A primary inoculation comprising three injections provides 100% cover.
| Marianum Medical Centre |
|---|
| Marienplatz 1 · 70178 Stuttgart |
| For Patients | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 0711 / 66 48 07-14 | |
| Fax | 0711 / 66 48 07-15 | |
| Surgery Hours | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 8:00–11:30 | 15:00–18:00 | Uhr | |
| Tue | 8:00–11:30 | 15:00–20.00 | Uhr | |
| Wed | 8:00–11:30 | 15:00–18:00 | Uhr | |
| Thu | 8:00–11:30 | 15:00–18:00 | Uhr | |
| Fri | 8:00–11:30 | 15:00–18:00 | Uhr | |
