All 16-17 year olds are vaccinated against measles and rubella for free.

63 provinces and cities across the country are vaccinating children in grades 11 and 12 against measles and rubella. These are two dangerous infectious diseases, especially rubella, which has serious consequences for pregnant women.

To proactively and sustainably control measles and rubella by cutting off the source of transmission, reducing the number of cases, and increasing the rate of immunity in the community, the Ministry of Health plans to provide additional vaccinations for the 16-17 year old group in 63 provinces and cities across the country.In 2014-2015, the measles-rubella vaccination campaign was successfully implemented nationwide with nearly 20 million children aged 1-14 vaccinated, reaching a rate of 98%.

Measles-rubella vaccine will be given free of charge to 16-17 year olds. Photo: N. Phuong

This campaignDo not vaccinate children who have been vaccinated with measles-rubella or measles-mumps-rubella within one month before the vaccination date or women who are suspected or pregnant. Children who were born earlier or later than the prescribed date and are studying in grades 11 and 12 are also subjects of this campaign. The source of vaccine used is the remaining amount after the previous vaccination campaign. The national expanded immunization project will also provide additional supplies to ensure sufficient quantities are used.

This time, Hanoi expects to have about 130,000-150,000 children who need to be vaccinated. Vaccination will be carried out simultaneously throughout the city, at schools and health stations. Specifically, from March 29 to April 2, vaccinations will be given to grade 11 and 12 students at health stations; those who do not go to school will be vaccinated on the regular vaccination day in April. The catch-up vaccination will take place at schools on April 8-9 and at health stations for children who are temporarily postponed (sick...) during the campaign on the regular vaccination day of the following month.

Measles and rubella are two acute infections caused by viruses. Rubella in children is usually mild, with few complications. However, the consequences for pregnant women are extremely serious. If the mother is infected with rubella in the first 3 months of pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital rubella syndrome and rubella infection in the newborn. Congenital rubella syndrome includes heart defects, cataracts, congenital deafness, developmental delay, diabetes in newborns, jaundice, hemorrhage, brittle bones... many children have multiple malformations.

There is no specific treatment for measles and rubella. Vaccination against measles and rubella is the best way to actively prevent the disease. The vaccine is 95% effective. Most cases have an immune response to measles and rubella after vaccination and this immunity is lifelong.

In early 2014, a measles outbreak resulted in nearly 5,000 cases and at least 146 measles-related deaths. In 2011, a rubella outbreak also caused many pregnant women to become infected and have to abort their babies.

According to VNE