Vaccination

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are widespread, and most people come into contact with them at some point in their lives. Whilst infections often go unnoticed, they can have serious long-term health consequences, including various types of cancer. For a long time, prevention efforts focused primarily on protecting girls. Today, however, we know that the HPV vaccine is an important step in cancer prevention for children and young people of both sexes. In this article, you will find out why protection is important for everyone, from what age the vaccine is particularly beneficial, and what else you should know about HPV.

The meningococcal vaccine protects against infection by certain subtypes of meningococcal bacteria, which can cause serious illnesses such as meningitis and septicaemia. These conditions can lead to serious complications. In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about the meningococcal vaccine – who should be vaccinated, which vaccines are available and what side effects may occur, for both children and adults.

The flu jab (influenza vaccination) not only offers a high level of protection against the flu itself, but also, in particular, protects against severe cases of the illness, which can be accompanied by life-threatening complications such as pneumonia or myocarditis. In this article, you can read about who should be vaccinated, when the best time to get vaccinated is, what side effects may occur, and everything else you need to know about the flu jab.

Pneumococci (bacteria of the genus Streptococcus pneumoniae) are responsible for a number of serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. Groups such as young children, older people and those with certain underlying medical conditions are particularly at risk of pneumococcal infection. However, the pneumococcal vaccine offers effective protection against the disease. In this article, you will learn why pneumococcal infection can be dangerous, how the vaccine protects you and what you need to bear in mind.

Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious viral infection. It mainly affects children, but adults can also be affected. Characteristic symptoms include fluid-filled blisters and severe itching. The illness usually runs its course without complications, but in some cases it can lead to serious complications. Transmission, symptoms, possible complications, prevention and treatment – you can read everything you need to know about chickenpox here.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine protects against infection with these three highly contagious viral diseases, which can cause serious complications. In this article, you will learn what the vaccine contains, what potential side effects may occur, and what the recommended vaccination schedule is.