HCMC allows measles vaccination for children from 6 months old
On November 7, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health said that since the beginning of the epidemic season, the number of children under 9 months old with measles has been recorded at 349, accounting for 24% of the total number of cases, especially in the group from 6 to under 9 months old.
The measles vaccination campaign for children aged 1 to 10 years old has contributed to reducing the number of cases of the disease in this age group.
However, the surveillance system recorded an increase in new cases in the under-9-month age group. This is a young age group, not old enough to be vaccinated against measles under the open immunization program, while maternal antibodies may have decreased below protective levels.
Therefore, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has sent a document to the Ministry of Health recommending measles vaccination for children from 6 to under 9 months old in this age group and it was officially approved on November 6.
According to the World Health Organization, monovalent measles vaccine can be given to children aged 6 to under 9 months during outbreaks as an enhanced anti-epidemic measure.
This vaccine is considered the "measles 0" shot. After that, children will continue to be vaccinated with 2 measles vaccine shots according to the expanded immunization program schedule at 9 months and 18 months of age.
The Ministry of Health also directed the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health to develop a detailed plan to ensure that the vaccination rate reaches at least 95% in communes and wards and comply with safety measures. Relevant units will conduct close monitoring to ensure that no subjects are missed, especially young children in hospital.
Measles vaccine for children from 6 to under 9 months is the vaccine used in the expanded immunization program. Measles vaccination for children from 6 to under 9 months will be implemented by the city to ensure safety.
Review and implement vaccine campaign
Ho Chi Minh City will continue to review and implement a measles vaccination campaign for children aged 1 to 10 in the city. Implement vaccinations in the expanded immunization program for those who have not been vaccinated or have not been fully vaccinated.
The health sector recommends that parents and family members proactively take their children to vaccination points to get vaccinated against measles.
Previously, the city added two groups of subjects to be vaccinated against measles, including people in classes with measles cases in middle and high schools; and people caring for people with immunodeficiency, including children and adults, at social assistance facilities or drug rehabilitation centers under the city's Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs.
