Updated recommendations on the treatment of infectious diseases in refugees in childhood and adolescence in Germany (situation as of 30 March 2022), registered as S1 guidelines (AWMF-Register Nr. 048-017)

Based on 190,000 applications for asylum, Germany remains a top destination for refugees and asylum seekers in Europe. The updated recommendations are considered evidence-based and targeted guidelines for the diagnosis and prevention of infectious diseases in underage refugees and asylum seekers. The objective of these recommendations is to guide medical staff in the care of minor refugees, in particular to:1. assure early recognition and completion of incomplete vaccination status,2. diagnose and treat common infectious diseases,3. recognize and treat imported infectious diseases that are considered uncommon to the German healthcare system. The recommendations have been formally written to be published as AWMF S1 guidelines.This includes a representative expert panel appointed by several professional societies, and formal adoption of the recommendations by the board of directors of all societies concerned. Recommendations are given for the medical evaluation of minor refugees, including medical history and physical examination. A blood count as well as screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis B should be offered to all minor refugees. In addition, screening for other infectious diseases like hepatitis C, HIV or schistosomiasis should be considered depending on age and country of origin. Vaccinations are recommended based on both age and country of origin. As thousands of minor refugees continue to seek shelter in Germany every year, professional health care with adequate financial support needs to be established to ensure an appropriate medical treatment of this particularly vulnerable population.