In the face of diphtheria appearing in some localities, on the afternoon of July 11, the Ministry of Health said that in Vietnam, the rate of diphtheria is currently low and the health system can control cases.
Diphtheria is an acute infectious and toxic disease caused by diphtheria bacteria. The disease is common in young children, but adults can also get it if they are not immune. Diphtheria bacteria produce toxins that damage the upper respiratory tract and can spread throughout the body, causing serious complications.
The Ministry of Health confirmed that currently, there is a vaccine to prevent and specific treatment for diphtheria. However, because the disease has not been eliminated in Vietnam, vaccination is the most important and effective preventive measure.
According to the Ministry of Health, in Vietnam, diphtheria vaccination has been implemented in the Expanded Immunization Program since 1985. Currently, diphtheria-containing vaccines have been implemented in the program with 3 doses to create basic immunity for children under 1 year old and 1 booster dose when the child is 18-24 months old.
To date, based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and international trends, the Ministry of Health has issued Circular No. 10/2024/TT-BYT, which adds an additional dose of diphtheria vaccine for 7-year-old children.
The representative of the Ministry of Health emphasized that currently, Vietnam is implementing 5 doses of diphtheria vaccine for children from 2 months old. This vaccination schedule is completely consistent with WHO recommendations to create long-term immunity, as well as the vaccination schedule of countries around the world, ensuring the necessary basic level of immunity for children in Vietnam at important ages.
According to WHO, additional vaccine doses should be based on the specific epidemiological situation of each country and an assessment of the risk of disease.
To proactively prevent diphtheria, the Ministry of Health recommends that people should vaccinate their children according to the schedule of vaccinations containing diphtheria (DPT-VGB-Hib, DPT...) fully and on schedule to ensure immunity for children of vaccination age. In case of delayed vaccination, vaccinate children as soon as possible.
People in areas with outbreaks must strictly comply with taking preventive medication and getting vaccinated as prescribed and recommended by health authorities. In case of close contact, self-monitor your health, and immediately notify health workers if you have any suspected symptoms of the disease.
The Ministry of Health also recommends that people do not arbitrarily vaccinate themselves with vaccines containing diphtheria without specific instructions and recommendations from health authorities in epidemic areas and according to the instructions of each type of vaccine containing diphtheria.
If necessary, contact the nearest medical facility for advice on disease prevention measures, ensuring vaccination of the right subjects, at the right dose and at the right time, as well as safety and effective disease prevention.
Source: https://cand.com.vn/y-te/ty-le-mac-benh-bach-hau-o-muc-thap-va-co-the-kiem-soat-duoc--i737059/
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