Neugebauer M, Ebert M, Vogelmann R. [Evaluation of the new German measles protection act: An online survey].
ZEITSCHRIFT FUR EVIDENZ, FORTBILDUNG UND QUALITAT IM GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2020;
158-159:74-80. [PMID:
33229255 PMCID:
PMC7968737 DOI:
10.1016/j.zefq.2020.10.009]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
The current COVID-19 pandemic reveals the dangerousness of infectious diseases and the threats we face. Often however, effective vaccinations are carried out insufficiently. In March 2020, the German measles protection law was introduced to raise the level of population (herd) immunity to over 95 %.
METHODS
An anonymous online survey was conducted among the population on the Measles Protection Act with self-declarations on measles vaccination/illness of participants and their children and evaluation of various sanctions.
RESULTS
1,594 adults participated. 19.3 % were affected by the law. Of these, only 77.5 % were immune to measles, 14.0 % wanted to be fully vaccinated when the law came into force, which would lead to 91.5 % immunity. Assuming that participants with unclear vaccination status or measles disease are immune, an immunity of>95 % can be achieved. 86.4 % of the children (aged 2 to 17 years) had developed immunity. Parents' willingness to have their children vaccinated because of the sanctions provided for in the Measles Protection Act was only 0.8 %.
CONCLUSION
The level of immunity to measles in adults and children was under 95 % in our study. The sanctions of the Measles Protection Act are a greater incentive for adults to undergo measles vaccination than for parents. Strategies to increase immunity with the target group of parents should continue to be pursued.
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