PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry is discussing possible actions that could be taken against parents, should they refuse to vaccinate their children despite making it mandatory.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said there are currently no rulings or laws to penalise parents who decline to vaccinate their children as per the National Immunisation Programme (NIP).
"If parents still refuse to vaccinate their children despite making it compulsory (for Year 4 and 5 pupils effective next month), we don't have the power to (take action against them).
"This is among the matters that we are discussing with the Education Ministry to look at ways to address this," he told reporters after attending the Health Ministry's Hari Raya gathering with the ministry's staff and pensioners here today.
The ministry had on July 20 said the immunisation screening to identify pupils who are left out from receiving comprehensive vaccination will be implemented at all primary schools next month.
The screening, to be held with the cooperation of the Education Ministry, would start with the current Year Four and Five students.
Dr Subramaniam said although people have the right to deny vaccination, the problem that may arise following it is of dire concern.
"Their decision as an individual can also be a threat to others. That is the angle in which we will discuss with the Education Ministry.
"What is even worse is they are also putting the general population at risk due to lack of herd immunity," he said, adding that the ministry will mobilise a big team to all primary schools nationwide to carry out the immunisation screening programme.
Dr Subramaniam said many parents have voiced their support for the programme, except for several groups od anti-vaxxers with an active presence on social media.
"To date, there are only 1,500 registered people who have refused vaccination. Maybe there is a bigger number outside which is not registered under us.
"Certainly we don't want this group to grow bigger, who are quite aggressive with their anti-vaccine campaign.
"They have Facebook pages and websites where they propagate their beliefs, so we have to neutralise that and then send the correct message to the people. This will be done via scientific programmes, as well as by roping in religious bodies."
On the possibility of drafting a new law, Dr Subramaniam said the ministry plans to discuss the matter with the Education Ministry.
"We have to discuss with them. But otherwise our approach now is still a more persuasive, advisory and explanatory approach, so people will make the correct decision based on credible information and knowledge on vaccination."