STIKO hebt Corona-Basisimpfung auf: Nur noch ab 75 Jahren empfohlen

Germany’s Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) has ended its recommendation for COVID-19 booster shots for all healthy adults, the Robert Koch Institute announced July 9. The shift reflects that over 95 percent of German adults now possess strong immunity through prior infections or vaccinations. Hospital admissions and deaths from COVID-19 have fallen steadily since the pandemic ended, with most severe cases now occurring in people over 75.

Who no longer needs routine boosters

Healthy adults of any age no longer need COVID-19 boosters under the new guidance. This includes women of childbearing age and healthy pregnant women, who previously faced a baseline immunization recommendation. The STIKO scrapped the requirement for at least three prior contacts with the coronavirus through infection or vaccination. Healthy children and teenagers have not required boosters for some time.

Who should still get annual shots

People aged 75 and over should receive annual boosters in late summer or early fall, the STIKO now recommends. Healthcare and nursing home staff, residents of care facilities, and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or obesity should also get yearly shots. Medical personnel working in intensive care units and emergency departments face the same guidance.

Why the timing shifted to late summer

The STIKO moved the ideal vaccination window from autumn to late summer or early fall because COVID-19 waves typically begin each year as summer ends. Vaccine effectiveness declines sharply over time, so earlier shots provide better protection when infection risk rises. This timing applies to all groups now eligible for boosters under the new rules.

What changed for pregnant women with complications

Pregnant women without chronic illness or pregnancy-related complications no longer need boosters. However, those with conditions like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure should receive shots starting in the second trimester. Since the Omikron variant emerged, severe COVID-19 in pregnancy has not been more common than in non-pregnant women.

Final Thoughts

The STIKO’s shift reflects Germany’s transition from pandemic to endemic COVID-19. Healthy adults face no new vaccination obligation, but older people and those with chronic illnesses remain at higher risk and should maintain annual protection.

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