Despite multiple studies and research that support the effectiveness of life-saving vaccines, the anti-vaccine movement is one that continues to be strong in many countries, and therefore, some governments have been forced to create laws that put a stop to it. .
The most recent case is that of Australia, which a few days ago began with a new measure: fine every 15 days to parents who do not vaccinate their children.
A few years ago the Australian government announced the "No Jab, No Pay" program, which translates as "Without a flat tire there is no pay", which we talked about at the time, and in which parents who did not vaccinate their children would no longer receive the tax benefits they received for the care of their children.
A little over a year ago, they decided to add another measure to this program with the slogan "No prick no play", and with which they would deny entry to schools to those children who were not vaccinated.
Now, this new measure that went into effect last Sunday, will force parents not to vaccinate their children to pay a fine of approximately 18 euros every 15 days as long as they continue without vaccinating their children. Parents who earn a salary greater than $ 80 a day, must pay a higher sum.
With this fine, it seeks to continue with the initiative that eliminates anti-vaccines in Australia, and also, that serves as a constant reminder to parents about the irresponsible decision that is not to vaccinate their children, since it not only puts the risk their health, but that of other people.
Other countries that have taken similar measures
Australia is not the first or the only country that has decided to take legal measures to put an end to this movement that puts everyone's health at risk. In 2017, they were 14 countries that have imposed mandatory vaccination.
Italy, for example, imposed compulsory vaccination on children under six years of age for admission to kindergartens and nursery schools, while in the case of children over that age, parents would receive fines of up to 7,500 euros.
France, meanwhile, announced last year that as of 2018 it would impose the mandatory vaccination of 11 diseases for children under two years old. Prior to that, three vaccines were mandatory, while the eight they added were only recommended.
Is it necessary to get to this?
Unfortunately, it is. And we can check it with figures. According to reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), In 2017, measles cases increased by 400%, compared to those presented in 2016.
The most affected countries were Romania, Italy and Ukraine, where the anti-vaccine movements are very strong, although also the lack of information due to lack of budget for vaccination campaigns and incomplete vaccination, in which parents do not apply the second dose, has had a lot what to see
WHO is already taking steps to curb existing outbreaks and prevent future infections. Among them is raising awareness and informing the population, however, with the force of the anti-vaccine movement, it is likely that it will still be necessary more countries continue to take legal measures to impose mandatory vaccination.
