Recommended Autumn Vaccinations in Germany and Key Immunisations for Seniors

By Kirsten Ripper & Euronews

Published on 30 October 2026 – 11:30 GMT+1

In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Andy Burnham, 56, deliberately had his flu jab in front of the cameras. In New York, the 35‑year‑old mayor Zohran Mamdani was seen at the beginning of October laughing while wearing a badge that read “I got my flu shot”.

However, the flu jab hype is less prevalent in Germany, where vaccination rates are steadily declining.

According to the German medical journal Ärzteblatt, 34% of individuals aged 60 and older were vaccinated against influenza in 2025, marking the lowest rate recorded by the Koch Institute (RKI) in the past 17 years.

Vaccination is advised for individuals aged 60 and older, those with chronic conditions, residents of care facilities, healthcare workers, pregnant women, and persons with regular exposure to animals such as pigs or poultry, in line with RKI recommendations.

Older adults are especially encouraged to receive the flu vaccine before winter. In addition, pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for seniors in Germany, along with herpes zoster (shingles) immunization. Discussion with a physician regarding RSV vaccination is also advised.

Is an additional coronavirus vaccination required?

COVID‑19 vaccination is recommended for individuals aged 75 and older or those in risk groups, including patients with compromised immune systems and healthcare professionals. Pregnant women with underlying health conditions should also be vaccinated.

Due to the revised recommendation, not all patients with statutory health insurance receive full reimbursement for COVID‑19 vaccination.

The RKI reports that as early as 2025, only 16% of individuals over 60 in Germany continued to receive COVID‑19 vaccination.

Measles vaccination is mandatory for children in Germany

A dedicated vaccination schedule for infants and young children, detailed in German, includes immunisation against RSV, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, hepatitis B, meningitis, measles, rubella, and mumps.

The United States has recently experienced surges of severe measles cases due to insufficient vaccination coverage.

Germany’s Measles Protection Act obliges proof of vaccination or immunity for children prior to entering nursery or school, and for individuals born after 1970 who are employed in childcare or healthcare settings.

Vaccinations Promote Overall Health

Numerous studies suggest that vaccines offer benefits beyond protection against the targeted disease. Ongoing research investigates whether the flu vaccine reduces cardiovascular complications and identifies vaccinations that may lower dementia risk.

The Deutsches Ärzteblatt cites evidence of heterologous or nonspecific effects, wherein vaccination modulates the immune system, enhancing responses to unrelated pathogens or conditions.

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