The Prime Minister confirmed that the number of compulsory vaccines will increase from 3 to 11 strains next year.
The Minister of Health, Agnès Buzyn, paved the way last week for the expansion of the vaccination obligation, the Prime Minister set the timetable. In 2018, 11 vaccines will be mandatory, compared to 3 currently. Edouard Philippe made the announcement during his general policy speech to the National Assembly on July 4.
By deciding in this way, the government takes note of the resurgence of several diseases against which it is possible to be vaccinated. Measles, tuberculosis and even meningitis have experienced a worrying rebound for several months. And affect vulnerable populations, such as children.
Three options
From 2018, 8 more strains must be administered according to the vaccination schedule: pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type B, pneumococcus, meningococcus group C. These vaccines will be added to the three already compulsory (diphtheria, tetanus, polio).
In case of refusal, the parents will be exposed to the same penalties AS those which currently apply. Failure to vaccinate your child can result in 6 months imprisonment and a fine of 3,750 euros. The Larère couple had thus received a two-month suspended prison sentence for failing to protect their children.
In a context of questioning of vaccination, the file was all the more delicate as the government had the obligation to decide before August 8. Either he made available the only obligatory strains, or he waived the obligation. The government has chosen the third path opened by the opinion of the Council of State: expanding the number of vaccinations.
Europe is getting tougher
France is not isolated in its choices. Other European countries are moving towards a stricter vaccination policy. Italy and Germany recently tightened sanctions against parents who do not immunize their children.
In Berlin as in Rome, the authorities have chosen to force the hand of families in order to fight against a strong resurgence of measles on their territory. At the end of the day: a heavy fine.
The government has chosen to follow the conclusion of the Citizen Dialogue, led by Prof. Alain Fischer.
At the end of a year of discussions, the steering committee concluded that there was a need to extend the vaccination obligation, with a lot of teaching … before lifting it completely. An opinion shared by the Minister of Health, for whom the mandatory / recommended diet is a vector of confusion.
>> Consult our thematic sheet. Vaccines: all the more effective if the entire population is vaccinated
Edouard Philippe emphasized prevention during his speech. In addition to vaccination, he pleaded for the gradual increase in the price of a packet of cigarettes. The Prime Minister also wants to improve the care of glasses, dental care and hearing aids.
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