Measles Outbreak and the Need for Vaccination
World Health Organization (WHO), reported that measles cases in Europe will double in 2024, reaching the highest level in the last 25 years. This situation is a serious warning of the danger of measles spreading again. Turkey stands out as one of the countries with the highest number of cases in Europe. Measles is a highly contagious disease and poses great risks to public health. Therefore, increasing vaccination rates and ensuring herd immunity is of great importance.
Causes and Importance of Measles
Measles is a viral disease that usually occurs in childhood. However, it can occur at any age among unvaccinated individuals. The main ways measles spreads are through lack of vaccination and low vaccination rates. Turkish Medical Association (TTB)'s Family Medicine Branch President Dr. Emrah Kırımlı emphasizes that the measles outbreak in Türkiye is serious. Dr. Kırımlı said, “There is a serious measles outbreak in Türkiye. The highest number of cases in Europe is in Türkiye.”
Vaccine Hesitancy and the Measles Outbreak
In recent years, the increasing hesitancy towards vaccination in society has played an important role in the increase in measles cases. Individuals who hesitate to get vaccinated endanger both their own health and the health of the community. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the fact that children who go to school cannot be vaccinated on time has made this situation even worse. Dr. Kırımlı says, “The fact that those who need to be vaccinated cannot get their vaccines due to the lack of vaccines is among the main reasons for the outbreak.”
The Role of the Ministry of Health and Vaccination Campaigns
The Ministry of Health needs to organize an effective vaccination campaign. Dr. Recep Koç says, “There is no mandatory vaccination law for babies and children. If they share this with the public and us, we can carry out the campaign together. But the ministry is very hesitant about this issue.” Increasing vaccination rates is of critical importance in terms of ensuring community immunity. Otherwise, the spread of infectious diseases such as measles will be inevitable.
Importance of Measles Vaccine
Measles vaccination is the most effective method for preventing this disease. Vaccination protects individuals against the measles virus and prevents the spread of the disease. Measles vaccination, which is administered in two doses, is among the mandatory vaccinations that must be done during childhood. Vaccination protects not only individuals but also the general health of the community. Low vaccination rates weaken community immunity and cause an increase in outbreaks.
Precautions to be taken against the measles outbreak
- Strengthening Vaccination Programs: The Ministry of Health should organize campaigns to encourage vaccination.
- Community Awareness: Awareness should be created in society about the importance of vaccination.
- Vaccination Checks for Individuals Coming from Abroad: The vaccination status of those entering the country must be checked.
- Reducing Vaccine Hesitancy: Studies should be conducted to eliminate misinformation and hesitations regarding vaccination.
Conclusion
The measles epidemic has become a major health problem in Türkiye. In order to prevent this situation, public awareness and vaccination rates need to be increased. It is a great necessity for the Ministry of Health to take effective steps in this regard in terms of public health. In the face of infectious diseases such as measles, it is important for individuals to protect their own health as well as to look after public health. It should not be forgotten that vaccination is not only an individual but also a social responsibility.
