Earlier second measles dose aims to curb rising outbreaks in Flanders
Children in Flanders will now receive their second measles vaccination at around 24 months of age. Until now, the second dose was administered in the fourth year of primary school, but minister of welfare Caroline Gennez (Vooruit) says the earlier vaccination is needed to curb rising outbreaks and better protect children.
At present, children receive their first measles jab at around 12 months. The second dose is administered at around age nine or ten through the Student Guidance Centre (CLB). However, cases have been rising lately. A recent outbreak in Flanders recorded more than 200 cases, many in children who had not yet received their second dose.
Rising cases prompt change
“We’re heading towards a significant measles peak, and we must do everything we can to prevent it,” cautioned epidemiologist Pierre Van Damme, the head of Vaccinopolis in Antwerp. “During the first half of this year, there were 347 cases. By accelerating protection now, fewer children will be susceptible to measles.”
Van Damme added that the interval between the two doses has been shortened before. “Previously, the second dose wasn’t administered until age 12. Later, it was reduced to nine years, with the intention of gradually shortening the interval further. But due to the regular outbreaks in Belgium, it’s certainly wise to accelerate this now. This way, we’ll provide more children with full protection more quickly.”
“Measles is not a harmless disease"
Van Damme explained the benefits of giving the second dose at two years old: it reduces the risk of missed vaccinations. “The vaccination rate for the second shot is lower than for the first shot,” he said. “We saw that children were not sufficiently vaccinated with one dose, and we absolutely want to avoid these children being susceptible to measles again after one dose. We know we need two doses for full protection.”
Following WHO recommendations
The Flemish government is now following World Health Organisation recommendations to shorten the interval. “Measles is not a harmless disease, especially not for children, pregnant women or vulnerable people,” said Gennez. “In a recent measles outbreak, we saw that almost half of those affected ended up in hospital. It’s up to us to protect them, and that’s why it’s important that we work towards better herd immunity among the population.”
Measles is highly contagious, and an immunity rate of 95 per cent is needed for herd protection. Most European countries already give the second dose before the age of nine. Two doses are essential for optimal protection.
Transition period for older children
During the transition, some children will still receive the second shot later. Those older than 24 months will get the second vaccine in the second year of primary school for the coming years, and for older pupils it will remain in the fourth year for now. From 13 October, Kind en Gezin (Child and Family) will begin administering the second dose at 24 months. Minister of education Zuhal Demir (N-VA) said the CLBs would provide extra support in schools.
At ONE, the French-speaking counterpart of Kind en Gezin, they are “not against” an early second vaccination, but the agency does not consider the Flemish adjustment ideal “in terms of coherence.” “Especially for Brussels residents,” says spokesperson Sylvie Anzalone.
“We are following the recommendations of the Superior Health Council, the competent authority. They have not yet taken a position, but will certainly start considering it, for better coherence.” ONE will therefore follow suit in due course, if necessary. Although there has been an increase in the number of cases in the past few years, “the most serious cases have been observed in the zero-dose phase,” namely among people who have not yet started vaccination, according to Anzalone.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO VACCINE HEALTH MORCILLO
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