Children in Flanders will now receive their second measles vaccine around the age of 24 months instead of during the fourth year of primary school.
The change, announced by Flemish Minister of Welfare Caroline Gennez (Vooruit), aims to combat the rising number of measles outbreaks and provide better protection against the disease. “Measles is not a harmless illness,” the minister said.
Currently, a first dose of the vaccine is given at 12 months old, with the second dose administered at around 9 or 10 years of age by the Student Guidance Centre (CLB). However, recent years have seen a sharp increase in measles cases. A recent outbreak in Flanders led to more than 200 reported cases, many involving children who had yet to receive their second vaccine.
The Flemish government is now aligning itself with World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations to reduce the time between the two vaccine doses. “Measles is especially dangerous for children, pregnant women, and vulnerable individuals,” Gennez explained. “During the last outbreak, nearly half of those infected ended up in hospital. It is our responsibility to protect them and improve herd immunity.”
Achieving herd immunity is critical because measles is highly contagious. To prevent outbreaks, a 95% immunity rate is necessary. Most European countries already administer both vaccine doses before the age of 9, as receiving two doses is essential for optimal protection.
During the transition to the new system, there will be a period of overlap. Children older than 24 months will receive their second vaccine around the second year of primary school. For older children, the second dose will continue to be administered in the fourth year of primary school for the next few years.
The new system will officially begin on 13 October, with the organisation “Kind en Gezin” administering second doses to children aged 24 months. Flemish Education Minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) added that CLBs will provide support in schools to ensure the rollout runs smoothly.
