Meer wave in Upper Austria: child benefit for vaccination refusers in danger!

Meer wave in Upper Austria: child benefit for vaccination refusers in danger!

In Upper Austria and beyond, measles diseases rise alarming. In 2024, 96 cases have already been registered, whereby a total of 97 confirmed or probable measles diseases were reported in 2025 by May 14th. In particular, a six -month -old baby intensive care in the Kepler University Hospital Linz asked for this. The situation is worrying because Austria has been the European focus for measles diseases since 2023.

The medical status is clear: a measles patient can infect up to twelve other people. According to the virologist Lukas Weslindtner, about 12 percent of the population are not vaccinated, which contributes to the spread of measles. In 2023 there were only seven cases in Upper Austria, which makes the dramatic increase in the following year.

political reactions and new measures

The State Councilor Christine Haberlander (ÖVP) emphasized the importance of vaccinations and appeals to the parents to check the vaccination status of their children. In order to create incentives to carry out the necessary vaccinations, the state of Upper Austria introduced a parent-child grant of 135 euros in three partial amounts. After all, the number of applications for this subsidy from 10,000 in 2020 fell to only 7,600 in 2024, and this particularly low for children from 2019 to 2022.

Haberlander even consider to draw financial consequences for vaccination refusers, such as not child benefit. These considerations reflect the seriousness of the situation and the realization that increased education and low -threshold vaccination offers across Austria are absolutely necessary. Vienna also recorded an increase in measles diseases in the first months of 2025.

vaccination strategies and challenges

Measle vaccination in Austria is available as a combination vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) at public vaccination centers free of charge and without age restriction. It is recommended to administer two doses of measles-mumps-red vaccines (MMR) from the completed 9th month of life. Missing vaccinations can be made up for at any age to ensure immunity.

An analysis of the vaccination rates in Austria shows considerable deficits. The World Health Organization (WHO) strives for the worldwide extermination of measles and requires a vaccination rate of 95% with two doses of the living vaccine. Despite the commitment of Austria to pursue this goal, it is currently not achieved. Experts emphasize the need to vaccinate children earlier and consistently, as well as to take targeted measures to close the vaccination in young adults.

The strategic plan to promote measles and rubella elimination is part of a national action plan that includes various health policy measures and educational initiatives. Information on measles disease can be called up in the information area in the information area to provide comprehensive information.