Background
diphtheria, diabetes mellitus, infections, herpes zoster, tetanus
INFECTIOUS DISEASES, DIPHTHERIA, DIABETES MELLITUS, INFECTIONS, PERTUSSIS, HERPES ZOSTER, TETANUS, COMPLICATIONS, INFLUENZA
With older age the prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular problems is increasing. At the same time, the age-associated weakening of the immune system contributes to an increased incidence and severity of infectious diseases. Therefore, severe courses or life-threatening complications from infections occur more frequently with older age [In Germany, the current uptake of vaccinations that are recommended for this age group according to the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO; seasonal influenza, pneumococci, herpes zoster and revaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) is unsatisfactory [The reasons for the rather low vaccination rates in Germany in European and international comparison are multifactorial [