Doctors from the Center for Disease Control of Hai Duong province recommend vaccination against diphtheria.

- Doctor, what is diphtheria?

-Diphtheria is an acute infectious and toxic disease caused by diphtheria bacteria. The disease is common in young children, but adults can also get it if they are not immune. Diphtheria bacteria produce toxins that damage the upper respiratory tract and can spread throughout the body, causing serious complications. Currently, there are vaccines to prevent the disease and specific drugs to treat diphtheria. However, because the disease has not been eliminated in Vietnam, vaccination is the most important and effective preventive measure.

- Doctor, when was diphtheria vaccination implemented in Hai Duong?

-Diphtheria vaccination has been implemented in the Expanded Immunization Program since 1985. Currently, diphtheria-containing vaccines have been implemented in the program with 3 doses to create basic immunity for children under 1 year old and 1 booster dose when the child is 18-24 months old.

In Hai Duong, 5 doses of diphtheria vaccine are being administered to children from 2 months of age. This vaccination schedule is completely in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Recently, a suspected case in Tu Ky town tested negative, but people should not be complacent about diphtheria. Most of the service vaccination points in the province have many people coming to learn about and get vaccinated, leading to shortages or even no vaccines.

- What advice do you have for people at this time?

-Currently, there are vaccines and specific treatments for diphtheria. People need to follow the health sector's recommendations for taking preventive medications and vaccinations. Only those who are about to enter epidemic areas or those with a history of exposure to the disease source need to take preventive medications. Vaccination must follow the instructions of the Ministry of Health and review the specific vaccination history of each case. People should not panic or receive false information from unofficial mass media, and should not arbitrarily vaccinate with vaccines containing diphtheria without specific instructions and recommendations from health authorities and according to the instructions of each type of vaccine containing diphtheria. If necessary, contact the nearest medical facility for advice on disease prevention measures, ensuring vaccination of the right subjects, at the right dose and at the right time, as well as safety and effectiveness in disease prevention.

Thank you very much, doctor!