From 01.03.2020 - compulsory measles vaccination in community facilities!

The number of measles infections has been on the rise for some time. The reason: the number of measles vaccinations has been declining, leading to more infections overall. In 2017, only 93 % percent of school starters were effectively protected by a measles vaccination - 95 % vaccination coverage would be necessary to eradicate measles in Germany.

Therefore as of March 1, 2020 nationwide, measles vaccination is compulsory in certain facilities. The legal basis for this is the „Act for Protection against Measles and to Strengthen Vaccination Prevention“ (so-called Measles Protection Act).

The vaccination requirement mainly affects children as well as staff in daycare centers and schools and people in communal facilities such as refugee homes and hospitals. From March 1, 2020, anyone wishing to enrol their child in school or a daycare center must provide proof of their child's measles vaccination in the form of a medical certificate or vaccination record. Employees of a community facility or children who already go to daycare or school can provide proof of their vaccination by July 31, 2021.

Anyone who does not comply with the vaccination requirement for their child risks fines of up to 2,500 euros and exclusion from the institution. The risk of a fine is particularly high for unvaccinated schoolchildren who cannot be permanently excluded from school due to compulsory school attendance. Unvaccinated employees who are subject to the vaccination requirement may risk losing their jobs.

However, there are exceptions to the rule here too: people born before 1971, pregnant women, babies and people with immune deficiencies are exempt from compulsory vaccination.

We are happy to answer any questions employers and employees may have on this topic!