Germany is set to revise its vaccination recommendations for meningitis and shingles, with the changes slated to take effect in February pending final legal review by the Federal Ministry of Health.The updates, recently approved by the Joint Federal Committee (G-BA) after review by the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO), aim to refine protection against these perhaps serious illnesses – meningitis, an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes, and shingles, a painful condition stemming from the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Key changes include expanded meningitis vaccination for adolescents and a lowered age threshold for shingles vaccination, reflecting ongoing efforts to target those most at risk.
Germany is updating its vaccination recommendations for both meningitis and shingles, with changes expected to take effect in February. The updates, issued by the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO), were approved by the Joint Federal Committee (G-BA), the body responsible for making decisions about healthcare coverage in Germany.
These revisions aim to provide more targeted protection against these potentially serious diseases. Meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, can have devastating consequences, while shingles, a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, is particularly dangerous for older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
The STIKO’s recommendations for meningitis vaccination have been revised based on a review of data regarding the serogroups most responsible for causing the disease at different ages. As of October 30, 2025, the committee now recommends that all children and adolescents aged 12 to 14 receive a vaccination against meningitis serogroups A, C, W, and Y, even if they have previously been vaccinated against these strains. A booster dose can be administered up to age 24 to ensure continued protection. More details on the meningitis vaccination recommendation are available here.
However, the STIKO is removing its previous recommendation for routine vaccination against meningitis serogroup C for infants at 12 months of age, citing a changed scientific risk assessment. The recommendation for a primary immunization series against meningitis serogroup B remains unchanged, with infants receiving vaccinations at two, four, and twelve months of age.
For shingles, the STIKO is lowering the recommended age for vaccination. Individuals at increased risk of developing shingles can now receive the vaccine starting at age 18, rather than the previous recommendation of age 50. This expanded eligibility includes those with congenital or acquired immune deficiencies, as well as individuals with severe chronic illnesses such as malignant neoplasms, HIV infection, or rheumatoid arthritis. Further information on the herpes zoster vaccination recommendation can be found here.
The STIKO notes that individuals aged 18 to 59 with mild, uncomplicated, or well-controlled chronic conditions are not currently recommended to receive the shingles vaccine, as they are not considered to be at significantly increased risk. The standard recommendation for all individuals aged 60 and older remains in place, due to the increased risk of severe illness and chronic nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia) associated with age.
The G-BA has submitted the proposed changes to the German Federal Ministry of Health for legal review. If approved, the new recommendations will be published in the Federal Law Gazette and will go into effect shortly thereafter. These updates to vaccination guidelines reflect ongoing efforts to optimize public health strategies and protect vulnerable populations from preventable diseases.
