Transfer - The right choice to minimize risks
Patient L.T.T, 39 years old, Son Tay, Hanoi, was bitten by a dog while delivering goods. Unlike the previous rabies vaccination, this time the animal showed abnormal signs and was beaten to death immediately afterwards by people, making it impossible to determine the disease status and monitor for 10 days. After assessing this as a case with high risk of exposure, the commune-level health facility quickly advised to transfer her to Bach Mai Hospital for treatment according to the correct protocol, and at the same time ensured conditions for monitoring and timely intervention if adverse reactions occurred.
Another case is Ms. H, 16 years old, in Tuyen Quang. After the first rabies vaccination at Son Duong District Health Center, she developed symptoms of shortness of breath, rash and abdominal pain - suspected second-degree anaphylaxis. Recognizing the risk of complications, doctors ordered her transfer to Bach Mai Hospital to complete the remaining vaccinations under close monitoring and intensive treatment.
Not only emergency cases after exposure, many patients with complex underlying diseases also need to be vaccinated at end-line medical facilities.
Ms. N, 77 years old, in Hung Yen, is being treated for spreading non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphoma and preparing for chemotherapy, and was prescribed flu, pneumococcal, and zona vaccinations by doctors to reduce the risk of infection during treatment. However, after visiting many vaccination facilities, she was advised to be transferred to Bach Mai Hospital due to the risk of complex reactions due to her special health condition.
Who needs to be transferred for vaccination?
According to the professional guidance of the Ministry of Health, referrals are indicated for high-risk cases to ensure safety during vaccination, including:
People with a history of severe allergies or anaphylaxis to vaccines, drugs or related ingredients.
People with complex underlying diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, or immunodeficiency.
Children and adults have had abnormal reactions after previous injections.
Cases with high risk of exposure or unclear source of disease need to be treated according to a specialized protocol.
Dr. Doan Thu Tra, Deputy Director of the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Bach Mai Hospital, said that referral does not mean refusing vaccination, but is a professional coordination between health levels to choose the most suitable vaccination place for each patient. This is a clear manifestation of responsibility and caution in health care work.
Vaccination is only truly effective when implemented for the right target audience, at the right time and at the right medical facility with sufficient professional capacity. For people at high risk, each referral decision is a necessary step to minimize risks and protect patients' lives.
Close coordination between healthcare levels not only contributes to improving the quality of vaccination but also affirms the common goal of the health sector: putting the safety and health of the people at the center.
