[Vaccinations in pneumology]

Abstract

The best measure to prevent infections of the respiratory tract is the use of vaccines against important respiratory tract pathogens. The Standing Vaccination Committee at the Robert Koch Institute recommends not only children but also adult vaccination against pneumococci, influenza A/B and Bordetella pertussis, because of a high disease burden. In the present review the clinical significance and safety of those vaccinations as well as advantages and disadvantages of the currently available vaccines are discussed.