The uptake of influenza vaccination for the 2013/2014 season in Germany

Seasonal influenza (flu) is an acute viral disease that occurs every winter in Germany and is referred to as the ‘flu wave’. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) at the Robert Koch Institute recommends annual vaccination for people who are at greater risk of disease-related complications, this includes men and women aged 60 or above. In this target group, 48.1% of women and 48.7% of men who participated in the GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS study reported that they had been vaccinated against influenza during the 2013/2014 winter season. However, there were marked differences according to region. Vaccination rates decreased over time. Moreover, although the European Commission has been calling for a vaccination rate of at least 75% among the elderly from the 2014/2015 influenza season onwards, it is unclear to what extent this rate can actually be achieved. However, rates can be improved by doctors providing advice and recommending vaccination to their patients.