The aim of measles titer testing is to support refugee families in enrolling their children in school and to enable them to attend kindergarten or school. If sufficient antibodies against measles viruses are found in the blood of the children or adolescents, the vaccination or immune protection required by the Measles Protection Act can be verified. For this purpose, a small amount of blood is taken from a vein by experienced personnel.
In the last few months, 278 blood samples were taken for free measles titer measurements at the public health department. 80 percent of the clients were children between the ages of six and 17. A sufficient measles titer was present in 77 percent of those tested.
MVZ Labor Ludwigsburg provides the material for the blood samples and carries out the tests free of charge. Professor Dr. med. Julia-Stefanie Frick, Managing Director of the MVZ, comments: "We want to help the refugees as easily as possible." For health department head Dr. Karlin Stark, quick access to the education system and the job market is particularly important. "This is a good, low-threshold and helpful offer for refugees in the district," says District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier, praising the initiative.
The proof is important, emphasizes Dr. Uschi Traub, Head of Health Promotion at the Ludwigsburg District Office. "If employees or those being cared for in communal facilities are not vaccinated, a fine can also be imposed on refugees born after 1970." Vaccination protection prevents outbreaks in communal accommodation. The measles vaccination can also be carried out by registered doctors without a titer measurement.
Due to the large number of new arrivals and reports of need from the refugee shelters, the health department is offering additional appointments for children and adults. The appointments for taking blood samples from children are on October 18 and 25 and on November 8, from 9.30 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 4 pm at Hindenburgstraße 20/1, 71638 Ludwigsburg. Adults from refugee accommodation or people who work in areas covered by the Measles Protection Act (e.g. daycare centers and doctors' surgeries) can come to have their blood taken on October 11 (same time). It is not necessary to register for the appointments. Interpreters for Ukrainian and English will be on site.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Uschi Traub or Mandy Bronner on 07141 144-2520, email: gesundheitsförderung@landkreis-ludwigsburg.de
