Back to school season is coming, the risk of measles outbreak is very high

On the morning of August 2, the Ministry of Health recommended that families proactively take their children to get vaccinated against measles at the nearest health stations as the school year is approaching, the number of measles cases has increased to an alarming level, and the risk of an outbreak is very high.

The Ministry of Health stated that currently, most children with measles are between the ages of 5 and 11 and have not been vaccinated. This shows that many parents do not pay enough attention to vaccinating their children. In particular, children with underlying diseases such as congenital heart disease, malnutrition, diabetes, hematological diseases, etc. need to be fully vaccinated because this is a dangerous group if they get measles. Children under 9 months of age can get the disease from adults or do not receive antibodies from their mothers. Pregnant mothers should get vaccinated against measles.

Currently, measles is still one of the leading causes of death in children under 5 years old, and can cause dangerous complications such as pneumonia, blindness, acute diarrhea, and encephalitis.

According to the Ministry of Health, the school year is approaching, the number of measles cases has increased to an alarming level, so the risk of an outbreak is very high. Therefore, parents need to proactively take their children to the nearest health station for consultation and vaccination to avoid the risk of spreading the disease in schools and classrooms.

The Ministry of Health noted that from the beginning of 2024, measles vaccines will be fully available at ward and commune health stations. The health sector has called on and mobilized people to take their children for vaccination, reviewed the list, and if children who have not received enough doses are found, they will be invited to the station for catch-up vaccinations.

NGUYEN QUOC