Child death shows vaccine importance
Health official says “rare” measles death is a reminder to make sure children are vaccinated.
THE DEATH of a girl from measles has highlighted the importance of vaccination, a top health official has said.
The girl, aged 12, died at the weekend from the disease in the Haute-Savoie. It is the first case of its kind in France since 2005 according to the area’s prefect.
The director general of the Department of Health Didier Houssin said: “This unfortunate case, which is rare, should remind people of the importance of this vaccination.”
“The vaccine is indispensable. It has few side effects for most people and is effective,” he added.
Children and parents at the girl’s school near Saint-Julien-en-Genevois have been informed and medical workers are checking vaccination records and offering jabs.
The number of measles cases in France has risen steeply. In 2008, 566 cases were recorded compared to 40 in 2007 and 44 in 2006.
Mr Houssin said: “These cases arise from people who were not vaccinated or were badly vaccinated.”
Vaccination against measles is not mandatory but highly recommended by the Department of Health which warns the disease can lead to severe health problems such as pneumonia and brain damage.
Those most at risk are the malnourished, adolescents, young adults and pregnant women.
Costs of vaccination are fully reimbursed for children up to the age of 13.
PRACTICAL: How and when to vaccinate children
PRACTICAL: Starting school: Obligatory jabs
