Hanoi (VNA) – The World Health Organisation (WHO) has assessed the risk of a measles outbreak in Vietnam as very high. It also recommends vaccination campaigns in provinces and cities with high to very high risk, as well as areas where clusters of cases have already emerged.
A representative from the Ministry of Health (MoH) stated that measles cases are on the rise globally, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. In Vietnam, 45,554 cases of suspected measles-related fever and rash were recorded in 2024, including 7,583 confirmed cases and 16 measles-related deaths. Notably, there was an increase among infants under nine months old, accounting for approximately 25% of positive cases.
Most measles cases involve individuals who have not been vaccinated, have not received the full vaccination doses, or have not yet reached the eligible age for measles vaccination under the expanded national immunisation programme.
The urgent rollout of both campaign-based and catch-up vaccinations is crucial to prevent a widespread outbreak, particularly in areas with ongoing clusters. Given the highly contagious nature of measles and its dependency on vaccination coverage, immunisation should be conducted as soon as possible.
According to WHO guidelines, countries with endemic measles should administer the first dose of vaccine at one–nine months of age and the second dose at 15–18 months. In countries where measles has been eliminated, the first dose is recommended at 12 months, followed by a second dose at 15–18 months.
Following the MoH’s directives, Vietnam has been intensifying its immunisation efforts. Since September 2024, a measles vaccination campaign targeting children aged 1–10 years has been implemented in 31 provinces and cities. To date, seven of the 31 targeted provinces and cities have completed the first phase of the campaign, while the 24 others are continuing efforts to ensure full coverage.
Looking ahead to 2025, the MoH has developed a plan for the next phase of the measles vaccination campaign. This plan is based on risk assessments and recommendations from the regional Institutes of Hygiene and Epidemiology and Pasteur Institutes. It aims to expand immunisation efforts for children aged 1–10 years and introduce supplementary vaccination for infants aged 6–9 months. The initiative seeks to increase community immunity, proactively prevent outbreaks, and reduce measles-related morbidity and mortality, particularly in high-risk areas.
Under this campaign, vaccination will be administered to children aged 6–under 9 months in high-risk areas and regions experiencing measles outbreaks, children aged 1–10 years in high-risk regions or areas with reported measles cases, and healthcare workers at medical facilities treating measles patients who have not fully received the recommended vaccine doses.
The MoH has emphasised that local authorities will determine specific target groups based on the epidemiological situation, vaccine supply from donors, and available resources. These decisions will be made in consultation with the regional Institutes of Hygiene and Epidemiology and Pasteur Institutes.
In terms of geographical coverage, infants aged 6–under 9 months in 24 provinces and cities will be vaccinated, with further expansion depending on local epidemiological developments and resource availability.
Children aged 1–10 years will be vaccinated in two phases. The first phase focuses on provinces and cities that have yet to complete the campaign, ensuring timely, safe, and effective immunisation. The second phase will target 17 provinces and cities, including Thai Binh, Ha Nam, Bac Giang, Dien Bien, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Ha Giang, Ninh Binh, Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, Hai Duong, Ha Tinh, Quang Nam, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan.
In August 2024, the MoH issued a plan to implement the nationwide measles vaccination campaign across 31 provinces and cities./.
