Ministry of Health sets up 6 teams to inspect measles vaccination

Although there were enough measles vaccines and the vaccination campaign plan was approved in January, it was not until early March that provinces started implementing it. Some provinces have not even started yet.

Ho Chi Minh City launches measles vaccination campaign for children - Photo: TIEN QUOC

Measles cases increase, many localities slow to vaccinate

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health , since the beginning of the year, the country has recorded nearly 39,000 suspected measles cases in 63 provinces and cities, including 3,447 cases positive for measles in 61 provinces and cities; 5 deaths related to measles. The number of cases increased compared to the same period in 2024 (111 cases).

The number of suspected measles cases recorded is highest in the Southern region (57%), Central region (19%), Northern region (15%)...

Immediately after receiving the results of the risk assessment from the localities, the Ministry of Health issued plans to implement the vaccination campaign. However, the official implementation was delayed.

This is because it takes time to complete procedures for receiving aid, quality control, and vaccine distribution. Localities need time to review and count the subjects in the vaccination campaign, and organize training before officially launching.

The implementation of the plan in provinces and cities is still slow. In 2024, some provinces such as Kon Tum , Hau Giang, Lam Dong, Ba Ria - Vung Tau approved the plan and organized the implementation late (vaccines were allocated from September but vaccinations only started in November and December).

In 2025, the plan was approved in January, vaccines were distributed from the first and second weeks of February, but it was not until early March that provinces and cities began to organize vaccination campaigns. Until now, Kon Tum province has not organized.

In addition, according to the Ministry of Health, localities have not been proactive in ensuring vaccines and funding for implementation.

The Ministry of Health has directed the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology to coordinate with relevant units to urgently allocate and transport vaccines in a timely manner to provinces and cities to carry out catch-up vaccinations, catch-up vaccinations for subjects who have not received enough doses, and campaign vaccinations, ensuring completion by March 31 at the latest.

Of which, 500,000 doses of the Expanded Immunization Program have been delivered to provinces and cities. It is expected that 200,000 doses of vaccine will be delivered to regional institutes on March 20 and completed to provinces and cities on March 21.

The Ministry of Health affirms to ensure timely and adequate provision of measles vaccines to localities based on the proposed vaccine needs of the units.

Set up 6 inspection and supervision teams to prevent and control measles epidemic

On March 19, the Ministry of Health issued a decision to establish six inspection, supervision, guidance and direction teams for disease prevention and control and the implementation of a measles vaccination campaign.

Specifically, the four delegations will inspect and monitor provinces and cities in the Northern, Southern, Central and Central Highlands regions where the number of suspected measles rash fever cases is increasing or the implementation of measles vaccination campaigns is slow.

Group 5 will conduct surprise inspections and supervision in the provinces and cities of the Northern and Central Highlands regions. Group 6 will conduct this work in the provinces and cities of the Central and Southern regions.

At the same time, the Ministry of Health also sent an urgent dispatch to localities regarding ensuring funding for measles vaccination.

Accordingly, for the implementation of the measles vaccination campaign, localities proactively prioritize timely arrangement and full allocation of funds from the local budget to organize the implementation of the measles vaccination campaign (including funds for screening vaccination subjects, organizing vaccination sessions...) according to regulations.

Provinces continue to allocate sufficient funds to implement activities of the Expanded Immunization Program, including measles vaccination (except for activities guaranteed by the central budget).

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bo-y-te-lap-6-doan-kiem-tra-tiem-vac-xin-soi-20250319164520028.htm