Compulsory measles vaccinations in Samoa are being seen as a last resort but one that's needed
Compulsory measles vaccinations in Samoa are being seen as a last resort but one that's needed
3 December 2019
Fifty-three people have now died of measles there.
The Samoan Government is also shutting down so public servants can help, and measles immunisations will soon become law for all ages.
Otago University public health Professor Michael Baker says societies normally work with communities, create a high level of awareness and make the vaccine widely available first.
However, he says in an extreme situation like this, there needs to be more compulsion.
Baker says high coverage will stop the epidemic very rapidly.
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