High Risk of Measles Outbreak – Parents Need to Be Aware of Prevention Measures!

** This article is consulted by Dr. Lai Thi Bich Thuy, Pediatric CarePlus Clinic System. ** 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning that in 2024, Vietnam is at risk of a measles outbreak due to the 4–5-year cyclical nature of the disease. Additionally, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020-2022 has significantly reduced the supply and coverage of the measles vaccine. Therefore, children under 5 years old who have not been vaccinated or are under-vaccinated are at high risk of contracting the disease. 

At the conference on enhancing disease prevention and control in the southern region held at the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City on the afternoon of June 11, 317 suspected cases of measles were reported. In Ho Chi Minh City alone, there were 16 confirmed cases. Most of these cases involve children who have not been vaccinated against measles. This also raises concerns about the risk of an outbreak if children are not vaccinated. 

Dr. Lai Thi Bich Thuy also shared that the effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination – the first dose for children from 9 months old and the second 18 months old.  

In the event of a measles outbreak, if a child is at risk of exposure, parents should take the child to see a doctor as soon as possible to consider early vaccination and appropriate treatment to prevent severe complications. 

Currently, CarePlus has all types of measles vaccines and other vaccines according to the national immunization program. For any inquiries, please call 18006116  and to schedule vaccination appointments at CarePlus. 

**(Sources: Ministry of Health Portal (MOH); Suckhoedoisong)**