Shingles Vaccination Rate Remains Low in Bavaria

The vaccination recommended for older people against shingles, which can sometimes have drastic long-term consequences, is not yet widespread in Bavaria. With a rate of 15.4 percent of fully vaccinated people over 60, Bavaria ranks second-to-last nationwide, according to an evaluation by the Barmer health insurance company. “Around 3.3 million people in Bavaria over the age of 60 do not have sufficient vaccination protection, even tho the vaccination is recommended by the Standing Vaccination Commission and covered by health insurance companies,” the report states.

Barmer’s report was based on an evaluation of its insured person data, considered representative of the entire population due to its broad base. According to the findings, only one in six people over 60 in Bavaria is fully vaccinated, while in Saxony-Anhalt, nearly one in three (29.3 percent) are. The vaccination recommendation has been in place as 2018. “In view of the frequently enough severe courses and complications, the rate is too low,” emphasized Barmer state manager Alfred Kindshofer. A complete herpes zoster vaccination can prevent most shingles diseases.

Improving Vaccination Rates in Bavaria Through Electronic Patient File Reminders

A recent evaluation by Barmer health insurance suggests that vaccination rates among older adults in Bavaria could be improved by implementing a reminder system within electronic patient files. The proposal, championed by Dr.Kindshofer, aims to remove reliance on individual family doctors to proactively schedule vaccinations and rather automate the process, ensuring more consistent coverage.

The Need for a Proactive Vaccination System

Currently, vaccination uptake often depends on the initiative of both patients and their family doctors. This can lead to inconsistencies and missed opportunities for preventative care, particularly among vulnerable populations like those aged 60 and over. Dr. Kindshofer argues that a standardized, automated reminder system is necessary to address this issue and improve public health outcomes.

Barmer’s Evaluation: Data and Findings

Barmer conducted a complete evaluation of vaccination activity in Bavaria, analyzing data from 1.1 million insured individuals between 2017 and 2023. The study focused on approximately 1,000 general practitioner practices that consistently served patients aged 60 and over – around 410,000 people in total – from 2019 to 2023. This focused approach allowed for a detailed assessment of current vaccination practices and identified areas for improvement.

Key Evaluation criteria

The evaluation specifically examined practices that exclusively treated Barmer insured patients aged 60 and over to ensure a consistent patient demographic. This methodology helped isolate the impact of practice-level factors on vaccination rates,rather than variations in patient behavior or access to care.

proposed Solution: Automated Reminders in Electronic Patient Files

The core of the proposed solution is integrating an automated reminder system directly into the electronic patient file (EPF).This system would automatically alert doctors when patients are due for recommended vaccinations. This proactive approach aims to:

• Reduce administrative burden: Automating reminders frees up doctors and staff from manual tracking.
• Improve consistency: Ensures all eligible patients receive timely reminders, irrespective of the doctor’s individual workflow.
• Increase vaccination rates: Proactive reminders are more likely to prompt patients to schedule vaccinations.

The Importance of Electronic Patient Files

The success of this proposal hinges on the widespread adoption and effective utilization of electronic patient files. EPFs are becoming increasingly common in healthcare systems, offering a centralized and secure platform for managing patient information. The U.S. Department of Health & human Services provides information on the benefits and implementation of electronic health records, which are similar in function to EPFs.

Looking Ahead

The Barmer evaluation provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of a more proactive vaccination system in Bavaria. Implementing an automated reminder system within electronic patient files could substantially improve vaccination rates among older adults, contributing to better public health outcomes. Further research and collaboration between healthcare providers, insurance companies, and technology developers will be crucial to successfully implement and optimize this solution.

Publication Date: 2025/12/11