Measles vaccination campaign launched in 18 provinces and cities at high risk of outbreaks

Based on the World Health Organization's assessment toolkit, the Ministry of Health has assessed the risk of measles outbreaks in 63 provinces and cities and decided to launch a vaccination campaign.

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: "Regarding the measles vaccination campaign, the Ministry of Health requests that the People's Committees of provinces and cities 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."

According to Minister Dao Hong Lan, in addition to the advantages and achievements, vaccination work still faces many difficulties and challenges. Currently, the situation of infectious diseases in the world is still unpredictable and difficult to forecast. Meanwhile, the recent Covid-19 pandemic has greatly affected the vaccination rate, climate change, urbanization, etc., creating favorable conditions for infectious diseases to reappear, spread and break out. Especially at the present stage, when children are returning to school, students at all levels are returning to school, causing a high risk of contracting infectious diseases, especially some infectious diseases such as measles, whooping cough, hand, foot and mouth disease and some diseases transmitted through the respiratory tract.

Therefore, the Ministry of Health recommends that parents uphold their spirit and responsibility in fully vaccinating their children on schedule. Vaccinate children fully in the regular vaccination program and vaccination campaigns.

At the same time, the People's Committees of provinces and cities directed departments, branches and sectors to promote regular vaccination for subjects under the expanded immunization program to ensure safety and effectiveness.