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Measles Rubella Vaccination: Understanding the question of parental consent
News
The New Delhi High Court has stopped the implementation of the ‘Measles and Rubella Vaccine Immunization Campaign’ by the Delhi government
Important Facts
The Issue:
- The Delhi Government had made Measles Rubella (MR) vaccination for students from the age of 9 months to 15 years mandatory by a circular published in December 2018
- A PIL was filed against the order stating that vaccination campaign can’t be administered forcefully and no person can be deprived of his life or personal liberty.
- The high court has put interim stay on the order stating that Delhi government’s immunization campaign lacks informed consent of parent
Delhi HC Directives
- The court directed the DoE to coordinate with school principals and also issue advertisements through various modes, including national dailies, explaining the vaccine and its benefits.
- It also directed that the Delhi government seek consent of parents
- Schools have been directed to assign teachers to help organise and conduct immunisation sessions in school and coordinate with health workers to conduct vaccination sessions during school timings.
Global Best Practice:
The World Health Organization recognises oral, written, and implied consent for vaccination.
Additional Facts
- What are measles and rubella diseases?
Measles and Rubella are highly contagious viral diseases that are spread by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing
- What is congenital rubella syndrome (CRS)?
Rubella infection in pregnant women can lead to severe birth defects known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Children with CRS can suffer hearing impairments, cataracts, heart defects, developmental delay and many other lifelong disabilities.
- Measles and rubella diseases in India
According to Global Measles and Rubella Update, India had 56,399 confirmed measles cases and 1,066 confirmed rubella cases in 2018.
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