Vaccinations in athletes

Abstract

The prevention of infections is essential to athletes’ health and performance. Even mild infections can severely affect athletic performance and the eligibility to train and compete. One of the most effective means of avoiding severe infections are vaccinations. However, like the general population, athletes frequently do not receive the recommended vaccinations. This shortcoming is largely based on fear of adverse vaccine reactions, concerns about the efficacy, misinterpretations, negligence, and poor communication. As sports medicine physicians are involved in the regular screening of adolescent, adult, and senior athletes, they are in a unique position to advise on an individual basis about the risks and benefits of an athlete-specific vaccination schedule. Thus, every preparticipation physical examination should be used to check the vaccination status and, if needed, optimize and update the athletes’ vaccination profile. In this clinical review, recommendations for standard, travel, and specific-indication vaccinations in athletes will be given and their efficacy, timing, and administration in the sports context will be discussed. The review will be completed by recommended literature and useful apps for the sports medicine physician involved in the preparticipation physical examination of athletes. Key Words: Standard Vaccinations, Travel Vaccinations, Indication Vaccinations, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis A/B, SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, Tick-Borne-Encephalitis, Sports