Protection against infection

Vaccinations are among the most effective and safe measures to prevent infectious diseases. Following simple hygiene rules also plays an important role.

Why vaccination remains important for protection against infection

Many diseases that once occurred frequently and in severe forms were greatly curbed by the use of vaccinations in the past. To ensure this remains so, it is important to reduce vaccination gaps, with regard to oneself, in families, and in professional environments.

Vaccinations protect not only individuals, but also entire communities. The more people who are vaccinated, the more difficult it is for pathogens to spread. This community protection – also known as herd immunity – can particularly help prevent serious illness for people who, for health reasons, cannot be vaccinated themselves, for example newborns or people with weakened immune systems.

The Federal Institute of Public Health (BIÖG) works to boost public knowledge about the benefits of vaccinations and to encourage people to get vaccinated. The aim is for all people in Germany to receive reliable information on the vaccinations recommended by the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) – whether for children, adolescents or adults, in the family or at work.

Vaccination campaigns

In order to make people at greater risk of serious illness more aware of important vaccinations and to remind people of the role of hygiene in protecting against infection, the BIÖG runs targeted multi-level campaigns. For example, in cooperation with the Robert Koch Institute, the BIÖG runs the “Zusammen geschützt” (“Protected together”) campaign during the cold season. Aimed at the elderly and high-risk groups, it encourages them to get vaccinated in good time against seasonal flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococci, and provides supporting information and materials on respiratory diseases.

Hygiene boosts everyday protection against infection

Simple hygiene measures significantly help to reduce the risk of infection. Many pathogens are passed on via hands, for example by touching door or other handles in public spaces, or by shaking hands. In this way, pathogens that cause respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, for instance, can easily enter the body via the mouth, nose or eyes. Correct hand washing, maintaining distance, coughing and sneezing into one’s elbow, or using single-use tissues and mouth-nose protection are all everyday behaviours that protect both ourselves and others.

The BIÖG provides hygiene tips and support, including for example for public institutions where many people gather, in the form of materials such as stickers and posters aimed at particular target groups.

Improving health together by protecting against infection

Vaccinations and personal hygiene complement each other. They provide effective protection and prevent not only individual diseases, but also boost the health of the entire population. Every vaccination and every conscious act of hygienic behaviour helps to ensure a healthy, solidarity-based society.