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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Jacob Jarvis

Germany makes measles vaccination compulsory for schoolchildren with new law

A law making it compulsory for children who attend school or daycare to be vaccinated for measles has been passed in Germany.

Germany's parliament approved the government's bill Thursday with a majority of 459 in favor, 89 against and 105 abstentions.

The law means parents who cannot prove their children have been vaccinated for measles by August 1, 2021, will have to pay a fine of up to 2,500 euros ($2,790).

Health Minister Jens Spahn argued the compulsory vaccination is necessary because of an increase in cases of the highly contagious and potentially deadly disease.

Some parents and doctors had opposed the measure.

Teachers and daycare workers, staff in hospitals and residents of refugee shelters will also have to be vaccinated.

Germany has recorded 501 cases of measles so far this year.

Reporting by agencies.

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