Make vaccination compulsory, do not expose our children to diseases - parents  

JOHOR BAHRU, March 6 (Bernama) -- The call to make immunisation compulsory to contain the spread of infectious diseases is getting louder as more cases of diphtheria were recorded in the state.  

A Bernama observation found parents were generally worried about the proliferation of anti-vaccine movements and called on the government to continue efforts to make  immunisation compulsory.

S. Sasidaran, 35, said he failed to understand the rational of anti-vaccine groups who refused to accept vaccination under the National Immunisation Programme even though it was aimed at containing the spread of infectious diseases.

“I agree if the policy makes it compulsory to get vaccinated as it is aimed at preventing infectious disease from spreading.

“Obviously I am worried about my children's safety and health. I do not want him to become victim due to the negligence of other parents,” the father of one child told Bernama when met recently.

For Nur Atikah Asri, vaccination should be made compulsory for all children if it does not affect the health of the recipients. 

The 28-year-old mother who has two children also alleged the present of foreigners in the country was among the contributing factors leading to a fall of the local herd immunity group.

"I support calls to make vaccination compulsory. The point is we have to protect ourselves and our community from the spread diseases and outbreaks.  

"The measles outbreak in Philippines should be a lesson why we need to take firm actions in combating the matter from taking place in our own country,” he said.

Meanwhile, real estate agent Candy Koh hoped parents would play their roles to be the protector of their own children.

According to her, parents should not expose their children to the risk of infectious diseases which could be prevented by taking the vaccine.

"Do not be negligent in carrying out on our responsibility for the children. I hoped the factor of being busy would not be used as an excuse for not bringing their children to get vaccinated.This is important for everybody,”  she added. 

On Feb 21, a two-year-old boy died of diphtheria  as he was not vaccinated against the disease.    

Meanwhile the World Health Organisation (WHO) in January was reported as saying doubts against the vaccination was identified as one of the biggest threats to global health today.

-- BERNAMA