Child benefit payments dependent on vaccination records

A British MP for Dagenham & Rainham has suggested that parents should lose their child benefit if they refuse to give their child the MMR vaccine.

 

The measure, which is already in place in Australia, was suggested by Labour MP Jon Cruddas in response to figures that show uptake of the vaccine has dropped to dangerously low levels in some areas. Earlier this year, more than 1,000 people caught measles in Swansea, with one 25-year-old man dying from the illness.

 

Labour has dissociated itself from the comments, assuring the public that the suggestion is not up for policy review.

 

What do you think? Is the MMR vaccine is important? Should the Irish government consider linking vaccinationas to social welfare payments?