Ungeimpften

Ungeimpften is a German noun used to refer to people who have not received vaccines according to official vaccination schedules. The term is commonly used to denote a population group that is not immunized or not up to date with recommended vaccinations for diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, influenza, or COVID-19. In usage, Ungeimpften can describe individuals who have never been vaccinated (0-dose), those with incomplete or delayed vaccination, or individuals who have a medical exemption from vaccination.

Causes for being ungeimpft vary and include personal or cultural beliefs, concerns about vaccine safety, access barriers, and, in some cases, medical contraindications. Public health analyses distinguish the unvaccinated from individuals who are vaccinable but not fully up to date, as risk profiles and transmission potential differ. The category is often used in epidemiological discussions to assess disease risk in a population and to tailor vaccination campaigns.

From a public health perspective, unvaccinated groups can influence disease dynamics and the design of vaccination programs. Policies in some countries have used vaccination mandates, proof of vaccination, or restricted access to certain services to encourage immunization, while debates continue about civil liberties, equity, and the most effective strategies to increase vaccine coverage. The term remains a descriptive label rather than a normative judgment, and its usage can reflect ongoing discussions about public health, individual choice, and social responsibility.