Background: Possible local epidemics caused by refugees came into focus in the past years either due to fears concerning the re-introduction of poliomyelitis 2013 to Germany by Syrian refugees or by the Berlin measles outbreak associated with refugees in 2014. Vaccinations can effectively prevent infection outbreaks. What are the actual immunization rates of migrants and refugees? Since data were not available, we conducted this study in refugee accomodation centers in Munich 2014. Methods: to assess the immunization status or the vaccination gap we followed the recommendations of STIKO of 2014. Inclusion criteria were easy accessibility by public transport and a minimum occupancy of 50 residents per accomodation. We collected data on a voluntary and anonymous basis in 10 refugee accomodations. Results: The key results revealed that only 3 adults (1.5 %) showed a complete vaccination status, as opposed to 67 children (43.8 %) with a complete vaccination status. Remaining gaps concerned varicella, measles-mumps-rubella and DTaP-Polio-Hib-HepB equally. Although adults have the same access to medical support as children in principle, they have more immunization gaps. It is unclear how much the family doctors support care for immunization in the adult refugees. Conclusion: Refugees have an inadequate protection against vaccination preventable diseases. The immunization strategy of Public Health for refugees and migrants needs to be reconsidered. Access to vaccination should be simple and systematic. The medical support for refugees should close the immunization gaps immediately. That will avoid uncontrolled infection outbreaks such as recently in Berlin.

Migrants measles Immunization Refugees Infection control

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