As soon as the controversial compulsory vaccination was introduced into law, new information emerged that was already causing a controversial debate online. The Barmer health insurance company recently reported a low measles vaccination rate. The vaccination gaps among children of kindergarten and school age are apparently larger than previously assumed. Since the vaccination rate is below 95%, it is insufficient for herd immunity and the number of diseases is increasing again.
Measles vaccination rate among young children insufficient for herd immunity
The Barmer health insurance company checked the data of more than 45,000 children as part of a study. It was found that almost one in five children aged 3 years eitherincomplete or not at allwas vaccinated against measles. When the results of the study are applied to the general population, the problem quickly becomes clear. Nationwide, over 160,000 children are probably not fully vaccinated or not vaccinated at all. This means that the measles vaccination rate is below 90%. A frightening statistic, because people with immune diseases, infants and pregnant women in particular cannot be vaccinated and rely on so-called herd immunity.
Many school-age children were vaccinated against measles between the ages of 12 and 14 months. However, a second vaccination is necessary for immunity against the serious disease. It is very important because in around 10% of children the immune cells do not produce antibodies after the first vaccination. With the second vaccination dose, this vaccination gap can be closed and these children are also reliably protected against measles.
However, it is precisely this second dose of vaccination, which is necessary for lifelong immunity, that many children of kindergarten age are missing.
Also inadequate for adults
People born between 1970 and 1990 only have one vaccination. Back then, children were only vaccinated once. But this first dose of vaccination is for onelifelong immunityinadequate, which is why these adults should consult their family doctor and, if necessary, get vaccinated a second time. Otherwise there is a risk that they will become infected and spread the disease further. The risk is particularly great for mothers with infants.
