News
The German government has announced new legislation which will make the measles vaccination of all children compulsory for parents.
From now on, parents will have to prove that their children have been vaccinated before they can attend school. If they haven't, then they can expect to pay hefty fines of up to €2,500 ($2,800) as punishment.
The decision has been made following a recent rise in reported cases of measles in Germany between March 2018 and February 2019. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 429 cases have been registered in Germany this year alone.
Currently, only 93 per cent of German children has been vaccinated for measles. At least 95 per cent need to go through measles jabs before the population can be effectively immunised.
In a statement issued to the public regarding the new legislation, Health Minister Jens Spahn said: "Whether in kindergarten, at the childminder or at school - we want to protect all children against measles infection."
Measles is a highly contagious airborne viral infection which very young children often suffer from. Symptoms typically develop after 10/12 days and last around a week. Symptoms usually include a fever, a cough, runny nose, and inflamed eyes, as well as an angry red rash on the face.
According to a report from the World Health Organization, measles vaccines have resulted in an 80 per cent decrease in deaths as a result of the disease between 2000 and 2017. The same report claims that 85 per cent of children around the globe has now received their first dose as of 2017.
Furthermore, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study, vaccinations have had a profound effect on the death rate for measles. In 1980, there were 2.6 million reported measles-related deaths. By 1990, only 545,000 fatalities have been recorded, and by 2014, global vaccination had managed to reduce the number of deaths from measles to 73,000.
May 14, 2019
5 mins
Urgent Cow & Gate Recall Issued After Pieces Of Rubber Found In Baby Food
An urgent product recall has been issued by British baby food provider Cow & Gate. Fragments of a rubber glove, which could present a potentially lethal choking hazard, were discovered in its Cheesy Broccoli Bake Stage 3, designed for babies aged 10 months and older. The Food Standards Agency (FSA)…
Jun 05, 2019
5 mins
Miracle Baby's Life-Affirming Smile Sends Hope To Anxious First Time Parents
When you're an expectant parent, there is nothing more anxiety-inducing than the idea that your child could be born unhealthy. You're helpless in the matter - there's very little you can do if your baby happens to be born with a weakened immune system or a rare, incurable condition. That's…
May 14, 2019
5 mins
Lidl Is Selling These Bargain Jungle And Pirate Inflatable Paddling Pools
Lidl is selling two bargain paddling pools, that your kids will no doubt adore. One of the paddling pools is designed to resemble a pirate ship and the other is based around a jungle theme and comes complete with inflatable animals and a slide. The Playtive Junior Kids’ Adventure Paddling…
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive only good things