Measles, mumps, and rubella were once prevalent infectious diseases throughout Switzerland, but now they are rare. The Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) reveals only a few measles and rubella cases each year, a significant decrease compared to previous times. Additionally, mumps, which was once an almost certain experience for all children, now has fewer than 1,000 cases a year. The remarkable drop in cases can be attributed to the MMR vaccination (mumps, measles, rubella), which has been recommended for all children in Switzerland since 1976. The first dose is given when a child is nine months old, and the second dose follows when a child is 12 months old.
Unfortunately, the corona virus and associated vaccination have led to a growing skepticism towards vaccinations among parents. According to an article in “NZZ,” the number of MMR vaccinations administered took a dip of 26 percent between 2019 and 2022. Philip Tarr, the head of the National Research Program NFP74, which investigates vaccine-skeptical parents and doctors, regards this as a concerning development.
Skepticism towards routine childhood vaccinations has increased during the corona pandemic, as stated by Tarr. He suggests that the Federal Council’s constant insistence that the corona vaccination is safe inadvertently led to a negative reaction from some. Similarly, in the United States, a study found that parents’ views regarding vaccinations worsened during the pandemic, with claims indicating that “Child vaccinations can result in illness or death” finding more approval than ever before.
However, there has only been a slight decrease in vaccinations once morest tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, and polio. The drop in sales of vaccinations has to do with the altered vaccination routine, which now provides for only three vaccination doses per child rather than four. Despite the decrease, vaccinations remain an essential part of public health in Switzerland.
Measles, mumps and rubella were once widespread infectious diseases. In Switzerland, however, the diseases hardly occur anymore. According to the BAG, there are only a few cases of measles and rubella each year. And while almost all children used to get mumps at some point, there are now fewer than 1,000 cases a year.
This is due to the MMR vaccination (mumps, measles, rubella), which has been recommended for all children in Switzerland since 1976. A first dose is given at nine months of age and a second dose is given at twelve months. But with the corona virus and the associated vaccination, skepticism regarding vaccination among parents increased.
As the “NZZ” reports, the number of MMR vaccinations administered fell by 26 percent between 2019 and 2022. “This is a worrying development,” says Philip Tarr, head of the National Research Program NFP74, which examines the motives of vaccine-skeptical parents and doctors.
During the corona pandemic, skepticism regarding routine childhood vaccinations has increased, Tarr told the newspaper. He suspects that the Federal Council’s insistence that the corona vaccination is safe led to the opposite reaction from some.
Parents’ attitudes towards vaccinations also changed during the pandemic in the USA. The study from the USA found that statements such as “Child vaccinations can lead to illness or death” meet with more approval than before the pandemic.
However, vaccinations once morest tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough and polio have not fallen dramatically. There is also a decline in the sale of cans. But this is mainly due to the changed vaccination schedule, which only provides for three vaccination doses per child instead of four.
In conclusion, while Switzerland has successfully reduced the cases of measles, mumps, and rubella through widespread vaccination, the current COVID-19 pandemic has sparked new concerns regarding vaccine skepticism. As parents and health care providers navigate this new reality, it is important to remember the importance of vaccines in preventing widespread outbreaks of contagious diseases. While vaccination rates once morest some diseases have declined, it is encouraging to see that vaccinations once morest tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, and polio have remained stable. As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to educate ourselves and others on the benefits of vaccination and work towards a healthier and safer future for our communities.
