Maltese people are more likely to be vaccinated when compared to people from other countries, something reflected in the drop in illnesses such as chicken pox, which went down by 46% in 2009, according to Parliamentary Secretary for Elderly and Community Care, Mario Galea.

‘Shared solutions to common threats’ is the theme of the 2011 European Immunisation Week, an occasion to emphasise the importance of joining forces on the matter of vaccine-preventable diseases, held between 23 and 30 April.

The recent epidemic outbreaks of measles and rubella in certain regions are timely reminders of this. Together with other EU countries, Malta must work for increased protection and prevention.

Speaking during a press conference at the Paola Health Centre, Mr Galea said that this week is an opportunity to create awareness of the importance of getting vaccinations, one of the greatest advances in public health which has saved millions of lives.

Not only are there benefits such as protection from diseases, but there are also financial benefits, such as less money to be spent on treatment and less people spending days away from work.

Mr Galea said that in 2010 there had been a 2.6% increase in those persons vaccinating themselves against polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and hib, as 94% were vaccinated.

There was also a 15.4% increase in those vaccinating themselves against measles, mumps and rubella.

Moreover around 56 local councils in Malta and Gozo participated in the flu vaccination scheme, resulting in around 22,000 persons being vaccinated, Mr Galea said, adding that more local councils had since approached him expressing their desire to participate.

Pathologist Chris Barbara explained that the department also follows the development of infectious diseases, since this measures the success of vaccinations.

He referred to the National Immunisation Service, which is there to give advice and offer services to parents and individuals, including those who are about to travel somewhere different.

Mr Galea encouraged these persons to make contact with the NIS early, as a common problem is that people tend to leave it too late, since these vaccinations need time to work.

Malta is faring well, he said, and since the increase in vaccination uptake, cases of measles have become very rare. On the other hand the World Health Organisation has reported over 6,000 cases so far this year.

The majority of these cases have occurred in France, where the people were not vaccinated, he said. A major advantage in Malta is that a number of vaccines are given out by the government.

Mr Galea appealed to the private sector to work hand in hand with the health authorities, by informing them of all vaccinations given, so that the information available will be complete and can be used in the WHO annual report, to guide further action to control disease.

Encouraging adults to ensure that they benefit from the services, Mr Galea said that we all have a personal responsibility to safeguard our health and that of our children.

A database containing information of on all the persons who have received injections, which will also send out reminders when the next vaccination is due, has been fully in place for over a year.

It is important to keep up the high level of vaccinations, and to understand that they are safe and have major advantages. This is the best investment we can make for the future, he said.