[Tetanus diseases, inoculations and adverse inoculation effects in the Federal Republic of Germany 1971 to 1990]

Environmentally and occupationally acquired diseases in adolescents and adulthood: control of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and poliomyelitis through regular booster vaccinations--a European perspective

Despite the success of childhood vaccination in industrialized countries, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), and poliomyelitis (polio) still affect adults and adolescents whose immunity has waned. The resurgence in the 1990s of diphtheria in the area of the former Soviet Union and its subsequent control with immunization campaigns, demonstrates the value of continued adult vaccination. Tetanus cannot be eradicated from the soil reservoir, necessitating routine primary vaccination and regular booster doses to maintain protective immunity. Although Europe has been certified endogenous polio-free since June 2002, polio imported from endemic areas continues to pose a serious threat for vulnerable populations. Booster polio vaccination is required in adolescence and adulthood. Pertussis among adults and adolescents is underestimated, representing a considerable health burden. The consequences can be more serious as this pool of susceptible adolescents and adults is a major source of pertussis transmission to newborns not yet protected by vaccination. The now available acellular pertussis-based combination vaccine covering diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and pertussis, suitable for adults and adolescents, provides the ideal tool for implementing booster immunization programs. Strong recommendations for adolescent and adult boosters are needed to overcome the continued threat of these diseases.

Impfungen im Erwachsenenalter

Despite the success of childhood vaccinations in Europe, many infectious diseases pose a threat to adults, particularly because immunity induced by vaccination is not life long in some cases. This paper presents the rationale for adult boosters for diphtheria, hepatitis B, pertussis, poliomyelitis and tetanus. Moreover indication for adult-vaccinations against measles, mumps, German measles and varicella is discussed, as a significant part of the population in Germany is susceptible or without known immunity/vaccination history. Finally, immunisation of the elderly against infections with influenza-virus and S. pneumoniae will be described.