Parents in Germany May Face Fines for Refusing Measles Vaccination

Parents in Germany may face a fine of up to £2,130 (€2,500) for refusing to vaccinate their children against measles.

German Health Minister New Law

The draft law has been presented by the German health minister, Jens Spahn. It is set to come into force on 1 March 2022 if it passes through parliament before the end of the year. It would make measles vaccinations mandatory for all children in nursery and school, and the vaccinations would also be required for teachers, educators and medical staff at hospitals and doctor’s surgeries.

Vaccination Evidence

From July 2020, evidence would need to be provided by parents to schools and nurseries that their child has been vaccinated, or proof that there is a medical condition that prevents them from receiving the injection. According to the German health ministry, there are currently 220,000 unvaccinated adults and 361,000 unvaccinated children already attending nursery or school. Jens Spahn, German health minister, said: “All parents should be safe in the knowledge that their children cannot be infected with and endangered by measles.” The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) is one associated with anti-vaccination movements, as discredited research from 1998 suggested that the vaccine could cause autism.

World Health Organization Funds’ Requirements

The World Health Organisation (WHO) requires a 95% coverage of the vaccine to prevent outbreaks, but Germany has been below that in recent years, with just 93% coverage for measles vaccinations. Measles can cause fatal problems, including pneumonia, loss of vision and encephalitis. Babies and children are particularly vulnerable to complications, specifically a permanent loss of vision.

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