Immunization week starts measles - No harmless childhood disease

Action week for better vaccination: advice on measles
The supposed childhood illness measles affects even adults. According to health experts, the vaccination rates are still too low. In Bavaria now starts an action week for better protection. The focus of this year's vaccination week is on the measles vaccine for adolescents and young adults.

Bavarian Immunization Week starts
Last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe called for "an intensification of measles vaccination efforts" in view of the significant increase in measles infections. It is emphasized by medical professionals that especially people dealing with infants and young children should reduce the risk of infection from their own measles protection. For the little ones themselves, vaccination is recommended by the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) for decades anyway. In Bavaria, the 4th Working Week on Inoculation (LAGI) in cooperation with the Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Nursing (StMGP) will take place from 18 to 24 April 2016.

Although measles is often referred to as a childhood disease, the infectious disease also affects adults. In a week of action health experts promote better vaccination. (Image: Kzenon / fotolia.com)

Focus on teenagers and young adults
As reported, the focus of this year's Immunization Week is on measles vaccination for adolescents and young adults. According to the information, there are still clear pickings in the Free State. For successful measles elimination in Germany these gaps should be closed quickly. According to a statement from the State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL), the Impfwoche marks the conclusion of the current media campaign "Measles - no harmless childhood disease" of the StMGP, which has been running since autumn 2015. In this context, health authorities throughout Bavaria will offer a variety of activities, such as vaccination advice at the health department, vaccination information stands at the weekly market, actions in kindergartens, schools or vocational schools and expert discussions.

"For the health of many"
About the question of measles vaccination - yes or no? raging for years a violent dispute between opponents and supporters. Bavaria's Health Minister Melanie Huml (CSU) said on the occasion of the action week: "Anyone who can be vaccinated against measles and other diseases protects themselves and others. The decision to vaccinate is therefore not a private affair, but in the interests of the health of many, especially those who can not be vaccinated. Vaccine opponents should also consider that. "In the Free State, the proportion of adults with measles has risen in recent years. According to the data, more than 780 persons fell ill during the last major measles outbreak in 2013. Almost half were 18 years or older.

Simply check the measles vaccine protection
People who are not sure can check their measles vaccine protection on a website of the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) with a simple check. A measles disease weakens the immune system. The disease usually begins with fever, conjunctivitis, runny nose and cough. In about one in ten patients in Germany, according to health experts, additional complications such as otitis media, bronchitis or pneumonia on. (Ad)