Aktuelle Herausforderungen und gesellschaftlicher Wert der Impfprävention

Vaccinations are an effective preventive measure against infectious diseases. High immunisation rates protect various population groups from the onset of diseases and serious illnesses. In addition to reducing the number of cases of illness, vaccinations can lead to direct cost savings through fewer hospitalisations, visits to the doctor and complications, as well as indirect savings from a social perspective. According to the Robert Koch Institute, around one in five people aged 60 and over in Germany have been vaccinated against shingles (Q1 2024) and around two in five against seasonal influenza (2023/24 season). The production, authorisation and distribution of vaccines are subject to strict regulations. The STIKO recommendations and contract negotiations for cost coverage by statutory health insurance are often lengthy. Digitalisation through electronic vaccination cards and data-supported reminder systems offers potential for improving vaccine supply. Low-threshold offers, in particular vaccination in pharmacies, also lead to an increase in vaccination rates with a high level of satisfaction among those vaccinated. In the health economic evaluation of vaccines, long-term social effects are insufficiently taken into account, which is why it is being discussed how a broader evaluation can incorporate the comprehensive value of vaccinations.