Concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, a global increase in the rejection of vaccinations and fears of potential side effects of vaccines might have contributed to the recorded dip in basic vaccination against smallpox, mumps and rubella in Slovakia, stated chief hygienist Jan Mikas in response to reports on Wednesday that smallpox vaccination in Slovakia has fallen below the herd immunity threshold.
"Children might have been repeatedly infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and that might have led to parents with children not showing up for further vaccination. Fears of more serious vaccination side effects might also have played a role if children were exposed to COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccination of children decreased in several European countries," said Mikas.
The nationwide vaccination level of children born in 2020 against smallpox, mumps and rubella has dropped below the 95-percent threshold. At the regional level, figures above 95 percent have been maintained only by Nitra and Trnava regions.
Vaccination is the most effective method of disease prevention. In view of this, Mikas underlined the need to continue educational activities aimed at increasing awareness of the importance of vaccination. He also urged the public to ignore unverified information about vaccination and listen to science experts instead.
(TASR)
