Network of nursery schools now rejecting unvaccinated children
In a first for Switzerland, a childcare group has decided to turn down applicants not vaccinated against measles and whooping cough. The step is perfectly legal, authorities say.
The “Bubble Bees” organisation, which operates eight nurseries (“Kita”, in German) across north-eastern Switzerland, instated the clear rules in order to respond to “growing requests by parents of unvaccinated children”, the SonntagsZeitung reportsExternal link.
Essentially, they request that proof be shown that all children are vaccinated against measles and whooping cough; when the parents cannot or will not show this, a meeting is arranged along with a paediatrician to try to convince them. If this is unsuccessful, the child is rejected.
Bubble Bees staff members must also be vaccinated.
According to Kibesuisse, the union of nurseries in Switzerland, this is the first case of such an obligatory vaccination being taken in the country. However, it expects to see more, especially since figures show 200 new measles cases detected in Switzerland in 2019 – already four times more than in all of 2018.
Lack of awareness
Jan Cahlik of the Swiss children’s doctors association told the SonntagsZeitung that problems and disputes do not always arise due to anti-vaxxer attitudes.
Parents underestimate the risk of measles in general, he said. In the last decade, the disease has been so successfully tackled that people have become complacent: “for example, some forget the second vaccination for their child, while others don’t realise it’s necessary”.
For the Federal Office for Public Health (FOPH), the decision by Bubble Bees is legal, since such nurseries are mostly privately-operated, as opposed to public-run playschools and schools.
It nevertheless welcomes the open debate that may arise around the issue, as it will “make other nurseries check how high the risk of infection in their institutions is”.
More than 10 other European countries have gone further, introducing general obligations for vaccination, punishable by fines if not followed. France introduced such a system in 2018, while in Germany, a regulation foresees fines of up to €2,500 – and expulsion from nursery – for unvaccinated cases.’
No such national regulation is currently on the table in Switzerland.
More
More
How serious is Switzerland’s measles situation?
This content was published on
In 2019, more measles cases have already been reported than in all of last year. But compared to a decade ago, it’s still relatively low.
Lack of smartphone sustainability in Switzerland hits environment
This content was published on
Almost half of all Swiss citizens hang on to their old smartphones, tablets and laptops, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
Police clear out pro-Palestinian students protesting in Geneva
This content was published on
The police intervened early on Tuesday to dislodge pro-Palestinian students who had been occupying the University of Geneva for almost a week.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
Vaccine scepticism – a phenomenon in affluent societies
This content was published on
Some parents in Switzerland decide not to have their children vaccinated, which prevents the full eradication of certain diseases. Why?
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.