MINISTRY LOOKING INTO WHY PARENTS REJECT VACCINES
Anti-vaccination movement, logistical issues among factors, says deputy minister
THE Health Ministry is intensifying efforts to find the reasons behind the growing number of parents refusing vaccination for their children. Its deputy minister, Dr Lee Boon Chye, said the ministry had identified several factors, including a growing anti-vaccination movement in Malaysia, as well as logistical issues.
“The percentage of children getting their first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccines (MMR) by their third birthday has reached the target, but not for the vaccination for children 9 months old and above, which is at 89 per cent.
“We must intensify part of it (identifying reasons), whether it is because of an anti-vac- cination movement or logisti- cal problems. I think these are the things that we need to look at.
“The only problem that we had is MMR, which is given at nine months. We need to look at how the MMR is given.
“There is also the probability that when children grow up, the parents become complacent because their children are fine and have no serious health issues, so they forget to continue with their vaccination.”
Dr Lee said this at a press conference after holding a dialogue session with several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on rabies and stray dogs in Perak at the Lembaga Tabung Haji building here yesterday.
Present were state Veterinary Service Department director Dr Ahmad Shafri Hassan and state Health Department deputy director (public health) Dr Ling He Mey.
Among the NGO representatives present were from Noah’s Ark, Mutts & Mittens and the Kiko Food Bank.
On the ministry’s plans to improve the percentage of children getting vaccination, Dr Lee said the ministry had formed a task force to look into the issue and come up with a proposal.
“The task force has two weeks to come up with comprehensive suggestions that include the possibility of mandatory vaccinations,” he said.
On a separate matter, Dr Lee said there should be guidelines on ways to control the growing number of stray dogs in the state to curb rabies outbreak.
“Among the things discussed in the dialogue was on responsible ownership, where owners are required to ensure that their dogs get vaccination, identification, as well as on the issue of neutering stray dogs.”