Measles-free Switzerland moves closer
The National Measles Elimination Strategy 2011-2015 has been a success: more people are now vaccinated against measles than before.
A measles-free Switzerland by the end of 2015: this was the goal of the measles elimination strategy adopted by the Federal Council in line with the WHO in November 2011. The strategy was implemented in partnership with the cantons and professional organizations. Measures and activities in recent years have included exemption of vaccination from the health insurance deductible (until the end of 2015), nationally uniform guidelines and recommendations for combating the disease and measles outbreaks, and letters to parents for schools. In addition, there were letters to companies and administrations to sensitize their employees to a risk check or vaccination, stand campaigns, the checking of vaccination cards, a wide variety of vaccination offers, nationwide information campaigns and an online competition. The independent "Committee for a Switzerland without measles" with well-known personalities from politics, sports and health also showed great commitment. The final event was the national Stop Measles Day on November 6, 2015.
Increasing vaccination coverage
Switzerland is well on the way to becoming measles-free, as evidenced by increasing vaccination coverage. According to data from eight cantons for 2014, for example, an average of 93% of two-year-old children have now received a first measles vaccination and 87% have also received the second measles vaccination. The increase was particularly marked among 16-year-olds: While only 85% were vaccinated with two doses nationwide in the period from 2008 to 2010, the sample in 2014 showed a value of 93%, indicating numerous subsequent vaccinations. Furthermore, the differences between the cantons have become significantly smaller. The canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden, for example, recorded a value of only 50% for the second vaccination of two-year-olds in 2008, which has now risen to 85% in 2014. The evaluation of the strategy will be available towards the end of 2016 and will allow an analysis of the measures and the further course of action.
For Switzerland to be considered measles-free, 95% of the population must be immune to the disease. Immune is defined as having been vaccinated with two doses or having lived through the disease. However, it is not only important to close the vaccination gaps in the adult population, but also to ensure that, if possible, all children are vaccinated with two doses before their second birthday.
Vaccination protects the weak
The vaccination protection serves not only the vaccinated persons, but also those who cannot be vaccinated themselves. This is because measles can cause serious complications in both adults and children, such as pneumonia, ear infections and, in rare cases, encephalitis. In some cases, it can also have serious late effects. For this reason, the federal government is continuing its efforts to combat the disease. First and foremost, pediatricians are called upon to sensitize parents of newborns to the topic of vaccination from the first consultation. It is advisable to open an electronic vaccination booklet right away. This way, parents will receive a notification when the second vaccination is due. Schools and daycare centers are also encouraged to inform parents about the disease, the importance of vaccination, and the possible consequences of non-vaccination.
(BAG)
