Germany Makes Vaccines Mandatory for Schoolchildren

The German government backed a bill requiring all children to receive the measles vaccination before enrolling in school or kindergarten.

Measles Vaccine / Image: NBC News
Measles Vaccine / Image: NBC News

A recent CNN article discussed a new development in Germany that is bound to cause waves with the anti-vaxxer movement. The German government created a bill that if approved by parliament will require parents to provide evidence of vaccination prior to enrolling their children in school. Families who fail to do so will face fines of up to €2,500 ($2,800).

This relatively extreme measure comes on the heels Germany reporting one of the highest numbers of measles cases in Europe in the last year, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Measles protection requires two doses of the vaccine--97% of German children received the first dose, but only 93% received the second dose in 2017. This may seem like a pretty good portion of the population, but experts say it takes a 95% vaccination rate to make communities immune.

FDA warning letters surge - is your team prepared?
New guide reveals expert strategies to prevent regulatory issues and respond effectively to FDA enforcement actions in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing.
Read More
FDA warning letters surge - is your team prepared?
Medical Device Innovations Report
Cutting-edge packaging technologies are transforming the medical device sector in PMMI’s “Innovation in Medical Device” report, featuring advanced materials, smart solutions, and evolving regulations. Editors share insights from nearly 300 PACK EXPO booth visits—each product deemed new and truly innovative—alongside video demonstrations of the equipment and materials on display.
Learn More
Medical Device Innovations Report