18/01/2019 - Health

KEY POINTS

Delhi High Court put on hold the Delhi government’s plan for a measles rubella vaccination campaign in schools across the capital, saying the decision did not have the consent of parents. The court’s order introduced a dimension to vaccination — the question of consent.

Consent of the individual is necessary

·         Principle that choice of an individual, even in cases of life-saving medical treatment, is an inextricable part of dignity which ought to be protected.

·         Parental consent should be obtained prior to vaccination. This is the standard practice around the world. The World Health Organization recognizes oral, written, and implied consent for vaccination. 

·         Countries are encouraged to adopt procedures that ensure that parents have been informed and agreed to the vaccination to enhance the transparency in the administration.

Consent of the individual is not required

·         The latest Global Measles and Rubella Update says India had 56,399 confirmed measles cases and 1,066 confirmed rubella cases in 2018.

·         Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease that can cause debilitating or fatal complications, including encephalitis, severe diarrhoea and dehydration, pneumonia, ear infections and permanent vision loss. The disease is preventable through two doses of vaccine.

·         We need to vaccinate those who did not get it earlier, and before they reach the reproductive age group. For vaccinations and such public health programmes consent is not required.

·         Vaccination is always a voluntary process, and there is never compulsion involved. Vaccines should be administered after people are sensitised about the disease and vaccine it is compulsory to provide vaccination records before seeking admission, so that the child is not a danger to others.

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