Localities prepare carefully to implement the measles vaccination campaign

The Ministry of Health has just sent a document to the People's Committees of provinces and cities regarding the implementation of the Measles Vaccination Campaign.

According to the representative of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry requested that provinces and cities proactively direct the implementation of measures to prevent and control measles to ensure timeliness, effectiveness and minimize the risk of spreading and outbreaks of the disease.

Specifically, for provinces and cities within the scope of implementation according to the measles vaccination plan of the Ministry of Health in Decision No. 2495/QD-BYT, urgently prepare and organize a measles vaccination campaign in 2024 in the area.

Based on the local measles epidemic situation, vaccination rate, testing and treatment capacity, available resources for epidemic prevention and control... provinces and cities continue to coordinate with the Institutes of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Pasteur Institute to conduct risk assessments, identify risk areas at the district/commune/ward level, review subjects, propose additional areas and subjects to implement the measles vaccination campaign if necessary and report to the Ministry of Health (Department of Preventive Medicine).

At the same time, localities also regularly and closely monitor the development of the measles epidemic, proactively strengthen surveillance, early detection and thorough handling of outbreaks, preventing outbreaks in the community.

Accordingly, the measles vaccination campaign was deployed in 100 districts and towns of 18 provinces and cities at high risk of outbreaks and expanded the vaccination age to children from 1-10 years old.

Unlike the expanded immunization program (measles vaccine is only given to children aged 9 months and 18 months), this measles vaccination campaign will expand the vaccination age to children aged 1-10 years old, except for those who have been fully vaccinated with 2 doses of measles vaccine.

Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan said: The Ministry of Health requests the People's Committees of provinces and cities to pay attention to directing departments, branches and sectors to develop and issue plans for additional measles-rubella vaccination; arrange adequate funding, human resources and equipment for vaccination sites including mobile emergency teams, organize vaccination sessions and monitor and handle post-vaccination reactions... At the same time, propagate the meaning and benefits of additional measles-rubella vaccination activities to cadres and teachers of primary schools, preschools, kindergartens and schools, and encourage parents to agree to let their children participate in vaccination".