Flemish Member of Parliament Toon Vandeurzen (CD&V) advocates for babies to receive their measles vaccination at six months instead of 12 months, aiming to curb the rising number of measles infections.
The measles virus is on the rise throughout Europe, including in Flanders. In the first quarter of 2025, Flanders has already reported 178 cases, with 108 in Antwerp and 33 in Limburg, primarily among unvaccinated children aged zero to nine years.
Vandeurzen has long been urging for additional measures. Currently, vaccinations occur at twelve months, but he suggests they could be perfectly administered during the six-month check-up at Kind en Gezin.
“Why not protect our babies from six months old?” Vandeurzen questions. “Many young families worry about sending their unprotected children to daycare amidst outbreaks in various provinces.”
He proposes seeking a formal recommendation from the High Health Council regarding the earlier vaccination. “Let’s not wait until this highly contagious disease is imported en masse from our holiday destinations,” Vandeurzen warns.
Vandeurzen calls on Flemish Minister of Health and Welfare Caroline Gennez (Vooruit) to obtain this advice by 1 August, allowing for a revised vaccination schedule to be rolled out in the autumn.
