A recent ruling declared that Italian families are not obligated to get their children vaccinated against measles and other infectious diseases.

Italy’s upper chamber voted through legislation to eliminate the vaccination law.

As per reports, the amendment, approved by 148 to 110 votes, will not develop into law before the new school year begins as it has to pass the lower house after the parliamentary recess.

The existent law mandating children to take 10 vaccinations to be eligible to join state schools came into effect in March passed by the previous government after a measles outbreak making 5,000 ill and killing 4 in Italy.

Children cannot enroll in a creche or kindergarten without being vaccinated against measles and nine other diseases, under the rule, which resulted in a public debate. Parents incurred a fine up to €500 for not vaccinating their children aged between 6 to 16 years.

However, the Five Star Movement and the League, which shaped the new ruling alliance two months ago, both pledged to fragment the vaccination law in their election campaign.

Northern League leader Matteo Salvini has questioned the decree from the beginning, saying that while he had his own children vaccinated he believed that vaccines should be voluntary.

Five Star has old associations with anti-vaccination campaigners. Giulia Grillo, party’s health minister, says she backs vaccination but thinks present rules are too stifling.

Italian view on the safety of vaccinations is deeply influenced by now-disregarded allegations of a link between the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and autism.

Low rates of vaccination in the nation are also subjective to popular distrust of influential politicians and professionals.