Ho Chi Minh Metropolis faces epidemic danger regardless of vaccine scarcity

The interruption in provide of two vaccines from the Expanded Nationwide Immunization Program, the measles vaccine (administered at 9 months) and the DTP vaccine (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccine) might result in a danger of a measles epidemic along with the present illnesses akin to dengue fever and COVID-19.

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Scarcity of vaccine for the implementation of the Nationwide Expanded Program on Immunization.

In keeping with the Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Well being Division, town’s month-to-month demand for measles vaccine and DTP vaccine is greater than 8,000 doses of every vaccine. Nonetheless, the provision of those two vaccines from the Nationwide Expanded Immunization Program is at the moment interrupted. Though the well being sector has despatched official dispatches thrice (in June, August and September 2022) to request the Ministry of Well being to allocate these vaccines in a well timed method, thus far town has not no extra supply of vaccine has been acquired.

In keeping with the necessities of the Nationwide Expanded Program on Immunization, measles vaccination protection have to be at the least 95% amongst kids underneath one 12 months of age with a purpose to management the measles epidemic. In reality, as soon as each 4 years as a result of measles epidemics happen in cycles (in 2013-2014 then in 2018-2019). After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the measles vaccination charge in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis has been very low. Particularly, in August 2022, the speed of youngsters born in 2020 who acquired the second measles booster dose (at age 18 months) was solely 75.3% (19.7% under of the 95% goal), whereas for youngsters born in 2019, the measles double vaccination charge reached 83.6% (11.4% under the 95% goal).

As well as, up to now, the speed of measles vaccination with the first dose for youngsters born in 2021 had not been reached because of the interruption of the measles vaccine supply, and reaching solely 79.9%. Thus, along with the standard 4-year cycle, up to now 3 years (2019-2021), the share of youngsters vaccinated towards measles has not been reached because of the affect of the COVID pandemic. -19 related to interruption of vaccine provide. This may result in a excessive danger of a measles outbreak.

Confronted with the non permanent interruption of vaccines towards measles and DPT, the Municipal Well being Service has ordered the municipal well being companies and posts to take a sure variety of measures, particularly vaccination as quickly because the Nationwide Program vaccine is acquired. If mother and father are too fearful and wish their kids to be vaccinated on time, mother and father are suggested to take their kids to vaccination facilities. For kids aged 12 months and older who haven’t been vaccinated towards measles, the well being submit can prescribe MMR (measles – rubella prevention) vaccination within the Expanded Program on Immunization.

Together with vaccination, the Municipal Well being Service recommends that every one folks take the initiative to take common measures to forestall infectious illnesses akin to: washing palms usually, particularly earlier than coming into contact with kids , actively put on a masks in case of respiratory signs, clear contact surfaces and above all hold your property clear.

Textual content and Photograph: Quang Chau/CVN