Minister of Health against measles vaccination

Lower Saxony's health minister against measles vaccination

07/25/2013

For weeks, a miracle debate has been conducted in the media about the possible introduction of measles vaccination. Now, the new Lower Saxony Minister of Health, Cornelia Rundt (SPD), has switched on and clearly against such a vaccination position. Instead of an obligation to measles, they rely on education and free offers, the news agency quotes „dpa“ the statement of the minister.

The debate on measles vaccination initially began with reports of a sharp increase in the number of infections in some southern German regions. As a result, Federal Health Minister Daniel Bahr (FDP) had allegedly indicated that he was in favor of vaccination. There followed a large number of media reports on the supposedly low vaccination rates and the impending measles epidemic. But the Federal Minister of Health was obviously never for a vaccination, as shown by his subsequent positioning against this. In fact, those responsible do not seem to be prone to such exaggerated demands, even though some media reports suggest it. Thus, the Lower Saxony Minister of Health with its position is completely in line with the federal government.

Reason and insight instead of compulsory vaccination
The minister made it clear that she „not on vaccination, but on reason and insight - especially with parents“ sit. However, in order to increase the pressure a little, it may be useful to regularly check the vaccination cards at doctor visits and to ask the parents for possible vaccinations. So far, the situation in Lower Saxony is much more relaxed than in the southern German states, where there was indeed a significant increase in the reported measles diseases. In Lower Saxony, the number of reported cases is currently at 14, reports Rundt. However, it may be expected here with an increase after the end of the summer holidays, when the tourists from the south return.

Positive development of vaccination rates in Lower Saxony
Overall, the Minister of Health assessed the development of vaccination rates in Lower Saxony as quite positive. Since 2002, the proportion of newly vaccinated school-age students has increased from just over 30 percent to 92.9 percent in 2011. The country aims to further improve vaccine quotas through additional education campaigns and free vaccinations for infants, children and adolescents up to the age of 18, the news agency reports „dpa“ citing the minister. Unlike the compulsory vaccination an offer on a voluntary basis without authoritarian prescription from above. (Fp)

Also read about measles:
Bahr wants to avoid measles vaccination
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: Thomas Siepmann