On Friday, the Bundestag will be discussing a new law on compulsory vaccination for the first time. Children who have not been vaccinated against measles should not be allowed to visit a day care center in the future. School children who are not vaccinated face high fines. The reason for this is the ever-declining vaccination rate, so that the so-called herd immunity can no longer exist if the number of vaccinations falls even more.
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Who will have to prove vaccination protection in the future?
Both children who attend a day care center, school, community facility or day care and people who work there will have to be vaccinated against measles in the future. This also applies to staff in medical facilities and people in refugee homes. Vaccination protection can be verified by means of the vaccination certificate or the yellow children’s examination booklet.
The new law is scheduled to come into force on March 1, 2020. Anyone who has previously worked in a community facility must provide proof of vaccination by July 31, 2021. People who were born before 1970, who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons or who have already contracted measles are exempt from the obligation to vaccinate.
Violation of the obligation to vaccinate – what am I threatened with?
Children who are not vaccinated can be excluded from attending daycare. Employees who have not been vaccinated are not allowed to work in the above-mentioned facilities. Parents who do not vaccinate their children face a fine of up to 2,500. This fine can also be imposed on day-care centers if they take in unvaccinated children. This also applies to staff in health and medical facilities, community facilities and accommodation for asylum seekers.
Where can I get vaccinated?
Vaccinations are available from all doctors except dentists. The Public Health Service (ÖGD) also carries out vaccinations in schools if the health insurance companies cover the costs. In order to remind patients of refresher appointments, the documentation of the vaccination should be created electronically.