Faced with the increase in measles cases, the ECDC encourages European countries to “vaccinate 95% or more of the population”.
- Faced with the measles epidemic, the ECDC recommends vaccinating 95% or more of the population with two doses of the vaccine.
- According to the ECDC, the countries with the lowest vaccination coverage are those with the highest cases of measles.
- Worldwide, measles vaccination prevented 56 million deaths between 2000 and 2021, according to the WHO.
42,200 cases of measles were recorded in 41 of the 53 member countries of the Europe region during the year 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This is almost 45 times more than in 2022.
A stronger measles epidemic in poorly vaccinated countries
Faced with this increase in measles cases, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recommends “vaccinate 95% or more of the population with two doses of the vaccine“, in risk assessment note. Indeed, the ECDC notes that the number of cases is higher in areas where the population is less vaccinated.
Thus, the instance “encourages public health authorities to maintain high vaccination coverage, ensure surveillance capabilities, early detection, diagnosis and control of epidemics, as well as increase awareness among health professionals and the public.”
Measles is a serious and highly contagious respiratory viral disease that is transmitted through the air. According to health insurance, there can be complications in about 30% of measles cases. Among those which are serious, there is in particular the risk of viral lung damage oracute encephalitis.
A vaccine to protect against measles
“The upward trend in measles cases in Europe is worrying, indicates Stella Kyriakides, commissioner for health and food safety, in the note. The good news is that it is a vaccine-preventable disease and there are many safe and effective vaccines available in the EU. When we see measles outbreaks, we know there is a gap in vaccinations.” Worldwide, measles vaccination prevented 56 million deaths between 2000 and 2021, according to WHO.
“I invite everyone to check their vaccination status and parents to ensure that the vaccinations of their children and adolescents are up to date, recommended Stella Kyriakides. Vaccination protects and saves lives and is one of our most powerful tools against measles and many other infectious diseases.”
In France, the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is required administered to all infants born since January 1, 2018. For those born before this date, it is strongly recommended.