Diphtheria Vaccination Rates and a Tragic Case in Brandenburg
Introduction
Diphtheria, once a deadly disease, has been drastically reduced in Germany thanks to widespread vaccination. However, vaccination rates among adults remain concerningly low in some regions.
Adult Vaccination Rates
According to data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), only 68.6% of adults aged 18 and over in Brandenburg are vaccinated against diphtheria. This figure is even lower in other states, such as Baden-Württemberg (42.7%) and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (72.2%).
Child Vaccination Rates
In contrast to adults, the diphtheria vaccination rate among children in Brandenburg is much higher. In 2023, 93.8% of children entering school had received basic immunization against diphtheria. This rate has remained relatively stable in recent years, with over 94% of children vaccinated in most years.
Tragic Case of a Child’s Death
Despite the high childhood vaccination rates, a tragic case occurred in January 2023 when a ten-year-old boy from the Oberhavel district died from diphtheria. The boy had participated in a class trip to an organic farm in the Uckermark district just a few days before falling ill.
According to Health Minister Britta Müller, the boy developed an abscess and swollen lymph nodes on September 26th and was admitted to the Ernst von Bergmann Hospital in Potsdam. He was later transferred to the Virchow Clinic in Berlin with heart muscle inflammation. Two days after being admitted, he was placed in an artificial coma and ventilated.
Despite battling for his life for over three months, the boy succumbed to the disease on January 27th.
Importance of Booster Shots
Health authorities emphasize the importance of booster shots, which are recommended every ten years to maintain immunity. Ulrich Widders, head of the Infection Protection Department in Potsdam, explained that "the problem is the lack of booster vaccinations."
Conclusion
While diphtheria is now rare in Germany, it remains a serious and potentially fatal disease. The low vaccination rates among adults in Brandenburg and other regions highlight the need for continued efforts to raise awareness about the importance of immunization.
To prevent future tragedies, it is crucial to encourage regular vaccination and booster shots throughout adulthood. By ensuring that both adults and children are adequately protected, we can work towards eradicating this deadly disease once and for all.
