Falling vaccination rates throughout Europe are leading to an increase in infections such as measles and rubella and Europe fears new epidemics. Measles viruses, for instance, could be prevented from circulating if 95% of the population was inoculated, but vaccination rates fall far short in the 53 countries of the WHO European region to stamp out this extremely contagious disease.
Studies showed that between 2010 and 2011 the number of measles cases in the EU had risen by a factor of four. Public fears in vaccination fuelled by internet-driven campaigns and lack of funding are worsening the situation. Costs are among the factors in preventing many from getting vaccinated. Countries which spend the least on subsidizing seasonal flu vaccination also have the lowest coverage rates in Europe such as Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland. According to World Bank health experts, there is clear evidence that immunizations are among the most cost-effective public health interventions, but falling healthcare budgets are challenging vaccinations.
The issue of whether or not to pay for such medical interventions does not only apply to developing countries, which are often more pioneering in their approach. In many low-to-middleincome countries, like Brazil, Mexico, and Turkey, some social services such as school fees are linked to vaccinations.
Such initiatives should be encouraged elsewhere and Europe should give more political support to vaccination programs, otherwise the risk is that highly-contagious diseases will recur, bringing in their wake suffering, disabilities, and death....READ MORE
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