HCM City, September 26, 2024, The Europe Today: The health sector of Ho Chi Minh City is actively ramping up its measles vaccination efforts as part of its strategy to declare an end to the ongoing outbreak. Dr. Nguyễn Văn Vĩnh Châu, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Health, reported that the city has documented 96 new cases in the past week, indicating a stabilization trend, with several districts reporting no new cases.
“To officially declare the outbreak resolved, the city must go 21 consecutive days without any new cases post-vaccination,” Châu explained.
Since the outbreak was first identified, HCM City has recorded a total of 743 measles cases, predominantly among children aged nine months to five years. In response, approximately 35,000 children aged one to five have received vaccinations, achieving over 72% of the target set by health authorities. However, Châu noted that vaccination coverage varies by district, urging areas with lower rates to enhance their efforts.
In a proactive measure, the city has established 12 rapid response teams to address rising measles cases in schools and to improve overall vaccination rates among children. Each team consists of members from local disease control centers and children’s hospitals, tasked with monitoring outbreaks, implementing response measures, and advising educational institutions on prevention strategies.
Following the measles outbreak declared in late August, a free vaccination campaign commenced on August 31, aimed at boosting community immunity. Medical experts emphasize the seriousness of measles, which spreads through respiratory droplets and can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The community must achieve a 95% immunity rate for measles management to be effective, necessitating that individuals receive two doses of the vaccine. The city’s health officials continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination to safeguard public health and prevent further outbreaks.
