Measles vaccination aims to prevent outbreaks and widespread transmission.

On December 23, information from the Hanoi Center for Disease Control (CDC Hanoi) indicated that in the week from December 13 to 20, the entire city recorded an additional 50 cases of measles across 24 districts, an increase of 6 cases compared to the previous week.

On December 23, information from the Hanoi Center for Disease Control (CDC Hanoi) indicated that in the week from December 13 to 20, the entire city recorded an additional 50 cases of measles across 24 districts, an increase of 6 cases compared to the previous week.

The total number of measles cases from the beginning of 2024 to date has reached 259, distributed across all 30 districts, counties, and towns, while no cases were recorded during the same period last year.

Vaccination is the only way to protect children and adults from the risk of contracting and developing complications from measles.

According to information from the Hanoi CDC, the number of measles cases is rapidly increasing, mainly among children who have not been vaccinated or have not received a full course of vaccinations.

By age group, there were 75 cases under 9 months old (29%), 47 cases from 9-11 months old (18.1%), 85 cases from 1-5 years old (32.8%), 21 cases from 6-10 years old (8.1%), and 31 cases over 10 years old (12%).

At Hanoi Children's Hospital, from the beginning of October until now, the hospital has received more than 40 cases of measles. Dr. Do Thi Thuy Nga, Deputy Director of Hanoi Children's Hospital, said that about 30% of the hospitalized children were in serious condition, requiring oxygen or mechanical ventilation. Notably, children under 1 year old accounted for more than 40% of the cases, many of whom were not yet old enough to receive the measles vaccine.

At Thanh Nhan Hospital, the number of children with measles has also increased. In the past month, the hospital has admitted approximately 40 children with measles, mainly children aged 4 months to 8 years old. Many cases of measles have developed serious complications such as pneumonia and laryngitis.

According to the Hanoi CDC's assessment, the number of measles cases may continue to increase in the coming period, especially among children under 1 year old and children over 5 years old, due to incomplete vaccination.

The center has implemented epidemiological surveillance measures at measles outbreaks such as Thuong Thanh (Long Bien), Xuan La (Tay Ho), La Khe (Ha Dong) and continues to inspect and handle cases in other areas such as Quynh Loi (Hai Ba Trung), Vinh Ngoc (Dong Anh), Nhan Chinh (Thanh Xuan), Tran Hung Dao (Hoan Kiem).

To control the disease, the Hanoi CDC advises people, especially families with young children, to adhere to the measles vaccination schedule.

Children should receive their first vaccine dose at 9 months of age, a second booster dose at 15-18 months, and a third dose when they are 4-6 years old. For children at high risk or living in areas with outbreaks, earlier vaccination at 6 months of age may be considered.

Dr. Do Thi Thuy Nga also emphasized that vaccination not only helps protect children's health but also helps prevent the spread of the disease in the community.

Sharing the same viewpoint and emphasizing the role of vaccines, Dr. Nguyen Tuan Hai from the Safpo/Potec Vaccination System stated that vaccination is the only way to protect children and adults from this potentially dangerous disease. Countries around the world are required to achieve and maintain a coverage rate of over 95% with two doses of the measles vaccine.

Children and adults should proactively get vaccinated against measles fully and on schedule to help the body produce specific antibodies against the measles virus, helping to prevent the risk of contracting measles and severe complications, with an outstanding effectiveness of up to 98%.

In addition, everyone should proactively clean their eyes, nose, and throat with antiseptic solution daily. Limit gatherings in crowded places, avoid close contact with people showing symptoms of measles or suspected of having the disease, and do not share personal items with sick people. Maintain hygiene in your living space and supplement your diet with foods that boost the immune system.

If you experience symptoms of measles (fever, runny nose, dry cough, red eyes, sensitivity to light, rash all over the body), you should quickly go to the nearest medical center or facility for examination and timely treatment.

Reportedly, to prevent measles outbreaks, the Department of Preventive Medicine (Ministry of Health) has launched a measles vaccination campaign for children aged 1-10 years in 18 high-risk provinces and cities, administering over 1.2 million doses of vaccine donated by the World Health Organization (WHO).

However, 27.2% of measles cases still occur in children under 9 months old, who are not old enough to be vaccinated. Therefore, the Ministry of Health plans to expand the age range for measles vaccination from 6 to 9 months in the near future.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/tiem-vac-xin-soi-nham-tranh-dich-bung-phat-lay-lan-manh-d234568.html