ROMANIA is seeking to boost vaccination rates in children aged 9 to 11 months old, as well as individuals who have not completed the vaccination schedule.
According to the Romanian Health Ministry, vaccination rates in the European Union State have dropped over the past 10 years, with 78 percent of eligible children having received one shot against measles, while only 62% had two doses of the vaccine.
Health Minister Alexandru Rafila lamented the gradual increase of vaccine hesitancy in Romania, and this sentiment increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Rafila said that 95% coverage is considered enough to keep the risk of measles outbreak in check.
Measles vaccination is included in Romania’s national immunization schedule for children, with the first shot usually given to 1-year-olds.
The Health Ministry will also launch an information campaign for better adherence to the Vaccination Program.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death.
It can affect anyone but is most common in children.
WHO also said being vaccinated is the best way to prevent getting sick with measles or spreading it to other people.
