Vaccinations are among the most effective measures for preventing the spread of infectious diseases and reducing severe cases of illness. They are based on scientifically proven methods that trigger a targeted immune response, thereby providing protection for both individuals and communities. At the same time, issues of safety, transparent communication, public acceptance, and fair global availability play a central role. This page provides an overview of the basics, effectiveness, and challenges of vaccinations, as well as the latest scientific findings in this field.
Various Pathogens and the Effect of Vaccines ▸
Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Vaccines are available mainly for diseases caused by bacteria or viruses. Viruses lead to, for example, polio, measles, rubella, or hepatitis. Bacteria cause diphtheria and tetanus. Many people in Germany are vaccinated against these diseases. Worldwide, vaccinations are also part of basic health care.
The development of a vaccine may take up to 15 years and cost several hundred million Euros. It all begins with basic research, in which scientists first identify which of the body’s defenses a pathogen triggers. They then investigate how this defense can be activated without infection through the pathogen. Once the mechanisms are known, a vaccine must first pass laboratory and animal experiments before it is clinically tested on the human organism.
Vaccinating the population during a pandemic is a particular challenge. In order to prevent the further spread of a pathogen, action must be taken quickly. Newly developed vaccines can therefore be approved in an accelerated procedure. In this process, the risks of possible side effects caused by the vaccine are balanced against the acute health threats posed by the pathogen’s further spread.
