Ministry of Health information on diphtheria vaccination

There are vaccines and specific treatments for diphtheria. However, as the disease has not been eliminated in Vietnam, vaccination is the most important and effective preventive measure.

Diphtheria is an acute infectious and toxic disease caused by diphtheria bacteria. The disease is common in young children, but adults can also get it if they are not immune. Diphtheria bacteria produce toxins that damage the upper respiratory tract and can spread throughout the body, causing serious complications.

Illustration photo.

Currently, there are vaccines and specific treatments for diphtheria. However, as the disease has not been eliminated in Vietnam, vaccination is the most important and effective preventive measure.

Diphtheria vaccination has been implemented in the Expanded Immunization Program since 1985. Currently, diphtheria-containing vaccines have been implemented in the program with 3 doses to create basic immunity for children under 1 year old and 1 booster dose when the child is 18-24 months old.

Up to now, based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization and following international trends, the Ministry of Health has issued Circular No. 10/2024/TT-BYT, which adds an additional dose of diphtheria vaccine for 7-year-old children.

Currently, Vietnam is implementing the injection of 5 doses of diphtheria-containing vaccine for children from 2 months of age. This vaccination schedule is completely consistent with WHO recommendations to create long-term immunity, as well as the vaccination schedule of countries around the world , ensuring the necessary basic level of immunity for children in Vietnam at important ages.

According to WHO, the addition of vaccine doses should be based on the specific epidemiological situation of each country and the assessment of the risk of disease. In Vietnam, the incidence of diphtheria is currently low and the health system can control the cases.

To proactively prevent diphtheria, the Department of Preventive Medicine recommends that people should vaccinate their children according to the schedule of vaccinations containing diphtheria (DPT-VGB-Hib, DPT...) to ensure immunity for children of vaccination age. In case of delay, vaccinate children as soon as possible.

People in areas with outbreaks must strictly comply with taking preventive medication and vaccination as prescribed and recommended by health authorities. In case of close contact, self-monitor your health and immediately notify health workers if you have symptoms of suspected illness.

People should not panic, receive false information from unofficial mass media, and should not arbitrarily vaccinate with vaccines containing diphtheria without specific instructions and recommendations from health authorities in epidemic areas and according to the instructions of each type of vaccine containing diphtheria.

If necessary, contact the nearest medical facility for advice on disease prevention measures, ensuring vaccination is given to the right subjects, at the right dose and at the right time, as well as safely and effectively preventing disease.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/bo-y-te-thong-tin-ve-tiem-chung-vac-xin-phong-benh-bach-hau-d219774.html