"A shield" helps reduce disease incidence.

In the context of the increasing trend of many infectious diseases, the health sector always advises people to proactively get vaccinated correctly and with the full dose.

MSc-Dr. Nguyen Nhu Thai, Head of the Vaccination Unit, Dong Nai General Hospital.

Speaking with reporters from Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio & Television, MSc-Dr. Nguyen Nhu Thai, Head of the Vaccination Unit at Dong Nai General Hospital, emphasized: Vaccines are considered the most effective "shield" to reduce disease incidence, decrease mortality risk, and protect public health.

The importance of vaccines

* Doctor, what role do vaccines play in disease prevention?

Before vaccines, the world recorded millions of deaths each year from infectious diseases such as smallpox, polio, whooping cough, tetanus, etc., along with countless long-term consequences for patients. This was truly a burden on each family and society as a whole.

Thanks to the advent of vaccines and global immunization programs, many diseases have been controlled and even completely eradicated. For example, smallpox was eradicated worldwide in 1979. In Vietnam, the National Expanded Immunization Program (EIP), implemented since the 1980s, has contributed to the eradication of polio, the elimination of neonatal tetanus, and the effective control of many infectious diseases such as measles and whooping cough. Besides saving millions of lives each year, immunization also helps countries save billions of dollars in treatment costs, while protecting human resources, the most important factor for sustainable development.

* Doctor, what is the particular importance of vaccination for women before, during, and after pregnancy?

Pregnant women are one of the most vulnerable groups. During pregnancy, the mother's immune system naturally weakens as the body accepts the fetus carrying some of the father's genes. This makes them more susceptible to infectious diseases, and when they do contract them, they often experience more severe symptoms.

Many diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, if they occur during pregnancy, can cause birth defects, miscarriage, or other dangerous complications. Therefore, vaccination before pregnancy plays a crucial role in protecting both mother and baby. Women should proactively learn about and get vaccinated according to the schedule.

Doctor Nguyen Nhu Thai conducts screening examinations for children before vaccination. Photo: Hanh Dung.

Many people are concerned about the side effects of vaccines. Can the doctor explain this in more detail?

- Any impact on the body, including natural viral infection, triggers an immune response. When you get the flu, you may experience fever, muscle aches, fatigue, etc. Vaccines do the same, but the reaction is milder and shorter-lived.

Some common post-vaccination reactions include pain at the injection site, mild fever, fatigue, and fussiness in young children. These reactions usually last only a few days and resolve on their own. This is a sign that the immune system is working to create a protective barrier for the body. Comparing post-vaccination reactions with the risk of contracting an illness, it is clear that vaccines are much safer. If an illness occurs, the patient may require hospitalization, prolonged treatment, and face the risk of complications and spreading the disease to family members. It is crucial that people choose reputable vaccination centers that ensure safe vaccination procedures and receive adequate post-vaccination monitoring.

The difference between privately purchased vaccines and vaccines in the national immunization program.

Many people still wonder about the difference between vaccines purchased privately and vaccines in the Expanded Immunization Program. Can a doctor explain this difference in detail?

- Both the privately-funded vaccines and the Expanded Immunization Program (EIP) vaccines have been quality and safety tested by the Ministry of Health . The two programs are not contradictory but complement each other. The EIP vaccines are free of charge, funded by the State, and focus on dangerous, common diseases with the potential to cause large outbreaks, such as tuberculosis, polio, measles, tetanus, pertussis, Japanese encephalitis, and hepatitis B. Privately-funded vaccines cover a wider range of diseases, including pneumococcal, rotavirus, cervical cancer, influenza, dengue fever, and meningococcal meningitis, helping to create a more comprehensive health protection "shield."

As the economy develops, the vaccine catalog in the Expanded Immunization Program will be expanded in line with the spirit of "expanded immunization." People with sufficient economic means can combine both programs to protect their own health and that of their families.

Every family should proactively take their children for vaccinations, and adults should also get the necessary vaccines as recommended to protect their own health and the health of the community.

MSc-Dr. Nguyen Nhu Thai, Head of the Vaccination Unit, Dong Nai General Hospital

* Doctor, the recent erratic weather has led to an increase in infectious diseases in Dong Nai. What advice do you have for the people?

- In Dong Nai and many southern provinces and cities, the number of seasonal flu cases is increasing. The flu cycle usually runs from June to November, so people should get vaccinated against the flu before the season or whenever needed.

Besides influenza, dengue fever remains a major challenge. Fortunately, Vietnam now has a dengue vaccine. People can visit vaccination centers to receive advice on a suitable vaccination schedule.

Furthermore, young children and the elderly with underlying health conditions are the highest-risk groups. Complete vaccination helps reduce hospitalization rates, severe complications, and mortality in these groups. Vaccination needs vary depending on age. People should proactively contact vaccination centers for advice.

Thank you very much, doctor!

Hanh Dung (compiled)

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/y-te/202511/la-chan-giup-giam-ty-le-mac-benh-0ed052d/