Bahr wants to avoid measles vaccination

Federal Health Minister against measles vaccination

07/21/2013

In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (F.A.S.), Federal Minister of Health Bahr mentions a series of planned measures designed to increase the measles vaccination quota without introducing compulsory vaccination.

Pass a vaccination obligation
In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeinen Sonntagszeitung (F.A.S.), Federal Minister of Health Daniel Bahr (FDP) is hopeful and names measures that should help prevent the need for measles vaccination. In the interview that this Sunday in the F.A.S. to read, he said: „I have not given up the hope that we will pass the vaccination obligation with these measures.“ Among other things, funds intended to improve the vaccination rate include more money for education and the plan to inquire earlier about the vaccination status of children in the future.

Teething you have to go through
Since the beginning of the year, the Robert Koch Institute estimates that around 1,200 people in Germany suffer from measles. Since this unusual increase is increasingly discussed about pros and cons of a mandatory vaccination. In this context, too late vaccinations are debated, since according to scientists of the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung only about one in three children in this country is sufficiently protected against measles. But many parents and guardians deliberately decide against a corresponding provision. According to a poll conducted by the polling institute „YouGov“ Many parents explained the lack of measles vaccine protection on the grounds: „For me, this is a childhood disease that you can and must go through.“

Eradicate measles in Germany
In the F.A.S. conversation, the minister warned: „But if it does not succeed in eradicating the measles in Germany in the next few years, there will be no way around the debate on compulsory vaccination.“ And names the same problematic possible consequences: „I realize that this raises difficult legal issues, including sanctions: what do I do with those who refuse to have themselves or their children vaccinated?“ According to Bahr, the Federal Ministry of Health is working on a regulation to inquire about vaccination status in the future even when children are being admitted to kindergarten or kindergarten. So far, this happens only before enrollment. „This makes it easier to remind parents to vaccinate their children in a timely manner“, so Bahr.

Exclude from school attendance
If a case of measles occurs, it is also planned to exclude unvaccinated children from school attendance. These children should be released from compulsory education according to the minister's ideas. Again, he warned of the dangers of the disease, because measles could take a fatal course. He mean: „I find it irresponsible not to have his children vaccinated.“ People who can not tolerate a vaccine could be infected. „Their lives are endangered“, cites the F.A.S. the Federal Minister of Health. (Ad)

Also read about measles:
Measles vaccination: pros and cons arguments
Measles: High risk of fatal late effects
Measles outbreaks are piling up
Naturopaths must report measles cases
Measles vaccine often too late

Picture credits: CFalk