German Health Minister proposes major fine to parents who do not vaccinate children



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Although measles vaccines in the United States are not prescribed by the federal government, in Germany, one official wants to fine nearly $ 2,800 for parents who neglect to vaccinate their children.

In an interview published Sunday by the German weekly Bild am Sonntag and reported by ABC News, the country's health minister, Jens Spahn, said parents should shell out 2,500 euros if they are not able to prove that their children were shot. It's about $ 2,790.

Spahn also seeks to prevent children who are not vaccinated against measles from going to day care to protect vulnerable groups that can not be vaccinated for age or medical complications.

The proposal has not yet been reviewed by the government, noted ABC, and it is unclear if it will be approved.

In a statement released last week, Spahn said that despite education campaigns, vaccination rates in the country have increased very little.

"Therefore, vaccination against measles in kindergarten and at school must be mandatory," he added. "For those who vaccinate, not only protect themselves, but also the community. Ninety-five percent of the population must be vaccinated against measles to eradicate this highly contagious viral disease. This is our goal. "

According to the latest monthly report on measles published in April by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, 164 cases were reported in Germany in the first two months of 2019. However, the majority of cases reported in Europe since March 2018 were observed Italy, France, Greece and Romania.

In the United States, the measles epidemic continued to grow, triggering an alarm from one ocean to another. As of April 26, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had identified 704 cases of infection, which had already been declared eradicated from the country 20 years ago.

In February, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb told Axios that the federal government could take action if the spread continues and states do not tighten vaccine exemptions.

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