The committee meets twice yearly to review the latest research regarding vaccination against infectious diseases.
RKI compiles data of immunization status upon the entry of children at school, and measures vaccine coverage of Germany at a national level.
The commission has developed criteria to minimize vaccine injuries caused by side effects.
German health insurance companies are obligated to cover the cost of any immunizations recommended by the STIKO after they have been reviewed the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA).
Members include experts from many scientific disciplines and public health fields and professionals with extensive experience on vaccination.