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Health Minister's blunt message to anti-vaxx advocates, in midst of Canterbury measles outbreak - 'Vaccines work'

March 12, 2019

David Clark wasn’t pulling any punches as the measles outbreak continues to grow in Canterbury.

Health Minister David Clark says he had seen no "credible science" that supports claims from anti-vaccination advocates, as the Government urges Cantabrians to vaccinate in an attempt to stop the measles outbreak. 

There are 25 confirmed cases, and 100,000 vaccines are expected to arrive in Canterbury shortly.

"I would encourage everyone to get vaccinated, vaccines work," Dr Clark said.

"There is no credible science that supports the claims from anti-vaccine advocates that I've seen."

Health officials are warning people to assume the disease is everywhere.

Education Minister Chris Hipkins was asked today if non-vaccinated children should be kept home from school to curb the measles rise in Canterbury. 

"I think kids should be vaccinated, but I'm not going to make it compulsory. I'm not going to say kids should lose their right to an education because their parents don't chose to vaccinate."

"I think parents should do the right thing and vaccinate their kids," he said. 

Dr Clark said it was important people who were not vaccinated "turn out and get the vaccinations they're due". 

"The advice I have is the anti-vaccination lobby are loud but very small, the bigger issue is making sure that everyone who is eligible and is not a member of that hardline group, does get vaccinated."

Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink warns one measles case can infect up to 13 people.

Canterbury District Health Board described measles as a "serious, highly infectious, potentially life-threatening disease".

"One in ten people who get measles will need treatment in hospital. Up to 30 percent will develop complications, usually children under five and adults over the age of 20. Measles during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature labour and low birth-weight in babies."

Read more:  As measles cases in Canterbury rise authorities urge residents to exercise vigilance

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