Measles re-emerges, Ministry of Health considers vaccinating children from 6 months old

The measles epidemic situation in Vietnam is complicated with a significant increase in the number of cases, so the Ministry of Health is considering vaccinating children from 6 months of age.

The measles epidemic situation in Vietnam is complicated with a significant increase in the number of cases, so the Ministry of Health is considering vaccinating children from 6 months of age.

According to the Ministry of Health's report, from the beginning of 2024 to now, the whole country has recorded more than 6,700 measles cases, of which 27% were in the group of children under 9 months old, who are not eligible for vaccination in the measles vaccination campaign.

Some measles cases were outside the vaccination age range, and the Ministry of Health has proposed extending the vaccination age from 6-9 months for this group of children.

The provinces with the highest number of cases include Dong Nai (6,360 cases), Ho Chi Minh City (4,758 cases), Binh Duong (4,745 cases) and Ca Mau (2,405 cases). Notably, there have been 13 deaths from measles, mostly children with the disease, raising concerns about the outbreak.

To control the epidemic, the Ministry of Health has launched a measles vaccination campaign in 18 high-risk provinces and cities. During this campaign, more than 1.2 million doses of vaccine were donated by the World Health Organization (WHO), with a vaccination rate of nearly 98%. However, the number of measles cases is still increasing, especially in children under 9 months of age, the age group that has not been vaccinated against measles under the expanded immunization program.

Mr. Hoang Minh Duc, Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine, said that some measles cases were outside the vaccination age range, and the Ministry of Health has proposed expanding the vaccination age range from 6-9 months for this group of children. Despite the written agreement from WHO, vaccination for children aged 6-9 months is still difficult due to the lack of suitable measles vaccines.

In Hanoi, from the beginning of 2024 to now, the city has recorded 335 cases of measles in 30 districts, towns, and cities. Of these, 98 cases were under 9 months old (accounting for 29.3%).

The Hanoi Department of Health has organized a vaccination campaign for children from 9 months old, achieving a vaccination rate of 98.5% for the first dose and 95.6% for the second dose. However, the risk of measles outbreaks remains very high due to high population density and large population movements.

Health experts stress that vaccination is the only way to protect children from measles and its dangerous complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Vaccination of children from 9 months of age and older against measles is very important to maintain community immunity, helping to prevent outbreaks.

Dr. Nguyen Tuan Hai, Safpo/Potec Vaccination System, said that measles vaccine is up to 98% effective in preventing the disease, helping children's bodies produce antibodies, preventing measles and serious complications.

Doctors also recommend that people not only get fully vaccinated but also take other preventive measures such as daily eye, nose, and throat hygiene, avoid contact with people suspected of having the disease, and not share personal items.

In addition to vaccination, families need to proactively take other preventive measures to limit the spread of measles. Maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding crowded places, and limiting contact with people showing symptoms of the disease are very important. At the same time, supplementing nutrition and strengthening the immune system for children also helps their bodies have better resistance to virus attacks.

If you see symptoms such as fever, runny nose, dry cough, red eyes, sensitivity to light and rash, you should take your child immediately to a medical facility for timely examination and treatment.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/soi-tai-bung-phat-bo-y-te-xem-xet-tiem-vac-xin-cho-tre-tu-6-thang-tuoi-d237484.html