Mandatory Measles Vaccine in Germany: Laws, Deadlines & Fines Explained

Vaccination: Vaccination Against Measles is Now Mandatory in Germany

The subject of compulsory vaccination has always heated peoples minds and caused emotionally charged discussions. The latest law in this area - the obligation to vaccinate against measles - came into force this Sunday. We report on the background and consequences.

Measles vaccination must protect the population.

What is often referred to as childhood disease is far less harmless than it sounds: measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases and can lead to further illnesses. Among other things, they can cause inflammation of the brain that can lead to death. In 2018, 544 cases of measles were registered in Germany, compared to 12,352 across Europe. You can only protect yourself reliably from the disease with the appropriate vaccination, which children do not receive everywhere and always. The vaccination rates published by the RKI shows vaccination gaps are clearly too large. For example, only 93% of freshmen in 2017 received both measles vaccinations. The clear target of at least 95% is thus missed, so that there is insufficient herd protection in the population. The measles vaccination requirement should remedy this and ensure that the number of measles cases in Germany is reduced in the long term.

Whom does the obligation to vaccinate affect?

Children from the age of one and people who work in community or medical institutions and were born after 1970 must be vaccinated against measles. The obligation to vaccinate mainly affects children, but also certain professional groups, for example teachers, educators and nurses. In addition, refugees and asylum seekers who are accommodated in shared accommodation must receive the measles vaccination within the first four weeks of their stay.

Vaccination - proof of daycare and school registrations

If parents want to register their children in a daycare center, kindergarten or school, they must provide proof of the measles vaccination. This is done by presenting the vaccination card, a medical certificate or the childrens examination book. Children who are already in such care are not exempt. Their parents are now obliged to prove the measles vaccination by the end of July 2021 at the latest. Care facilities have the right to reject children who have not been vaccinated. Due to compulsory schooling, this does not apply to general educational institutions. Parents of school-age children face a fine of up to 2,500 if they fail to comply with the vaccination requirement.

AfD against vaccination, Greens and Leftists abstain

Instead of taking citizens along on this important question, the threat of coercion and sanctions for violations is threatened again, the AfD criticizes the measles vaccination law. Health Minister Spahn vehemently defends the regulation, which he himself promoted. It is not about teething problems that sounds so harmless. Measles is highly contagious and can take a really bad course. Measles cannot be treated, there is no medication for measles, but you always have to go through it, said Spahn. Greens and Leftists had abstained in the course of the second reading.

Online opinion on the subject of compulsory vaccination