State Secretary Blokhuis of Public Health does not rule out that he will oblige parents to vaccinate their babies in the future. He writes this in a letter to the Lower House today. “However, should the decline in vaccination coverage continue, endangering public health, I will have to consider more mandatory measures.”
Blokhuis further writes in the letter that he will invite parents who do not have their children vaccinated for a meeting with care workers. The government will also actively respond to incorrect information about vaccination on social media.
Child safety
Blokhuis hopes with these measures to reduce concerns about the safety of childcare in relation to the declining vaccination coverage. Last year, only 90 percent of all babies were vaccinated last year. According to the WHO, 95% is the minimum coverage ratio.
“I notice that many parents are concerned about whether their unvaccinated child is at risk of contracting measles at daycare, for example. Over 35,000 people have signed an online petition to require vaccination in daycare centers. childcare is an important place where children come into contact with each other for a long time, I think it is important that parents know that their child is safe there. childcare safety in relation to decreasing vaccination coverage. “
‘I would be sorry if it became so polarized’
For doctor Jeanne-Marie Hament, Blokhuis’ plans could have gone a step further. “I don’t think we will only come here with information. There should be a policy for the children who attend the day-care center. I would be sorry if it became so polarized that people would harm each other because they disagree. “
Still, Blokhuis thinks that he will get the funding ratio back to 95 percent with better information. And Roland Pierik, philosopher of law and advocate of a national vaccination obligation for all children in daycare centers, is also hopeful. “I actually did not expect this passage about ‘vaccination obligation in case of further decline’. I thought that the State Secretary would keep the door closed to a legal obligation, but fortunately he has now opened it ajar.”
‘You can’t convince some people’
Pierik also thinks that conversations between doctors and parents can be effective. “You will not be able to convince a certain group of people, but there will also be people who appreciate a discussion with a doctor.”
A legal vaccination coverage must be introduced if the vaccination coverage falls below 85 percent, says Pierik. “Then it will be really dangerous. But I think Blokhuis is on time with these measures and that we will be back in the safe zone.”
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