The death of a six-year-old boy
with leukemia due to complications caused by measles has further
inflamed a hot debate about vaccinations in Italy.
The boy reportedly contracted the disease from older siblings
that the family had decided not to vaccinate, even though the
younger child's immune system was compromised.
"It is necessary to respect medicine and the truth of science
for the good of our children," said Health Minister Beatrice
Lorenzin.
The government recently passed a decree making 12 vaccines
obligatory for school admission for children aged up to six.
The move came after Italy suffered an upsurge in measles
cases amid growing vaccine skepticism.
Veneto Governor Luca Zaia, of the Northern League, has said
his region intends to challenge the decree at the Constitutional
Court.
Some have blamed past statements by members of the 5-Star
Movement (M5S) for contributing to the skepticism, which has
seen vaccine coverage rates drop.
The anti-establishment group has denied being against
vaccines.
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