[Vaccination in Germany--strategy, current status, deficits]

Abstract

In the Federal Republic of Germany all vaccinations are voluntary. They are performed by doctors in private practice and (to a lesser extent) by the public health service. Vaccinations against diseases of major public health importance are officially recommended by the superior health authorities. The strategy of public health service to achieve high levels of immunization coverage is reported. The main impediments for successful immunization programmes are imperfect reporting and information systems on target diseases and vaccination coverage.