Bad news for anti-vaxxers looms in the horizon as the Ministry of Health is set to table a Bill that makes vaccination compulsory.
Announced by health minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, the matter will be brought to the ministry’s post-cabinet meeting before it is delivered to the Cabinet.
Source: Bernama
“I believe there will be arguments for and against the proposal, and MOH will consider all views seriously.”
According to the deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye, vaccination for toddlers nine-months-old and above currently stands at 89%.
Source: Berita Harian
Setting a target of 95% would effectively control vaccine-preventable diseases such as diphtheria and neonatal tetanus, Dr Lee said: “The percentage of children getting their first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) by their fifth birthday has reached our target.”
“But not for the vaccination given to children nine-months-old and above which is now only at 89%.”
“This is not a safe phase should we want to prevent measles as we need to reach 95% in order to control outbreaks.”
“Unfortunately, some parents have largely been influenced by anti-vaccination groups.”
Source: HelloSehat
The move to make vaccination compulsory is certainly a move in the right direction to ensure that the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases among infants in Malaysia.
Is the move to make vaccination compulsory a good thing? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section.
Also read: M’sian Doctor Shares 5 Fatal Diseases That Were Successfully Eradicated Thanks to Vaccines
