In order for Ukrainian refugee children to be able to go to daycare or school, they need vaccinations. Berlin’s medical officers are calling for a task force.
Immunization against measles is mandatory for visiting a public institution. In addition, the Standing Vaccination Commission recommends vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough, mumps, measles, rubella and chickenpox.
“According to surveys by the World Health Organization, at least every fifth Ukrainian refugee has no vaccination protection and the rate is even higher among children and young people,” says Neukölln’s medical officer Dr. Nicolai Savaskan (48). The reason is mainly a critical attitude towards vaccines. “It’s a real problem.”
Measles and polio were still associated with meningitis and paralysis and even led to death. His health department has formed a task force for this task, but financial support from the Senate is still pending.
pediatrician dr Martin Karsten (61) from Wilmersdorf advises refugees with minors to visit the pediatrician. “Anyone without a vaccination card is initially considered unvaccinated,” he says. An eight-fold vaccination can be made up for at an appointment. “Even if someone is already vaccinated, it doesn’t do any harm.” He doesn’t fear bad outbreaks. The vaccination coverage of Berlin children is 94 percent.
