[Vaccinations and epidemiology]

Diphtheria is an uncommon infectious disease in Germany. Since 1994, approximately 150,000 new cases with about 5,000 deaths have occurred in the new independent states of the former USSR. Corynebacterium diphtheriae can be imported to Germany since only 20 percent of the adult population is vaccinated against diphtheria. Compared to other European countries, Germany has one of the lowest immunization rates against measles, mumps and rubella. Despite this fact, young parents still place a high priority for immunisation of their children. One reason for failure to immunize is lack of knowledge about serious complications of vaccine-preventable diseases. Immunization rates for diphtheria and tetanus are also low among the elderly. For example, nearly 70 percent of 60- to 70 years olds are not protected against tetanus. A concerted action is necessary to improve immunization rates among adults. In particular, primary care practitioners have a special responsibility to ensure that in every patient encounter, the opportunity for booster immunization is not lost.