The implementation of a new measles vaccine mandate in Germany: A qualitative study in local health departments.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Measles is a highly contagious disease with the potential for severe complications. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, there have been recurrent measles outbreaks in Germany over the past decades. In response, a new measles vaccine mandate was introduced on March 1, 2020, aimed at closing vaccination gaps in high-risk populations. This study evaluates the mandate's implementation, identifies operational challenges, assesses the impact of the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, and investigates expert attitudes towards the new policy.

Methods

Semi-structured expert interviews were conducted with staff members of 16 different local health departments in Germany. The interviews, carried out in April and May 2021, were electronically recorded, transcribed

SUBMITTER: Werdin S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11198778 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature