Measles
One person dies out of every 3000 who contract measles - even in our country. This is despite the best medical care. However, there is a very reliable and safe protection against measles - the measles vaccination. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set itself the goal of eradicating measles in Europe by 2015. Individual countries have already succeeded in doing so, e.g. Finland and the USA.
Measles elimination
To eradicate measles, 95% of the population (children and adults) must be vaccinated. A complete immunization includes two vaccinations: The first at age 12, the second at age 24 months. By age two, 95% of all children should have been vaccinated twice with the combined MMR vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella. Vaccination is also recommended for all adults born in 1965 or later in ascending order (i.e. 1966, 1967, ...). If you do not know if you have been vaccinated: Ask your family doctor to check your vaccination booklet.
Implementation in Liechtenstein
Although Liechtenstein is not a member of WHO, the government has decided to implement this goal. By means of coordinated measures in various areas, such as preventive checkups, the aim is to achieve 95% vaccination coverage among children