To strengthen the prevention and control of whooping cough and preventable diseases with vaccines in Vietnam

To strengthen the prevention and control of whooping cough and preventable diseases with vaccines in Vietnam (Internet image)

On March 20, 2024, the Ministry of Health issued Official Dispatch 218/DP-DT on strengthening the prevention and control of whooping cough and preventable diseases with vaccines in Vietnam.

To strengthen the prevention and control of whooping cough and preventable diseases with vaccines in Vietnam

Specifically, according to information recorded from the national infectious disease surveillance system, from the beginning of 2024 until now, the whole country has recorded nearly 70 scattered cases of whooping cough, mainly in some provinces and cities in the northern region. In addition, many cases of measles, measles-like rash, and chickenpox were also reported scattered in many places.

Currently, in the Northern region, the weather is cold, windy, and humid, creating favorable conditions for pathogens to grow, spread, and increase the risk of infectious diseases, especially diseases transmitted through the respiratory tract. In addition, the interruption in the supply of vaccines from the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in recent times has affected the vaccination rate of vaccines nationwide; In many cases, children are not vaccinated on schedule or have not received enough vaccinations, which is a risk factor for increasing vaccine-preventable diseases.

To proactively prevent and control whooping cough epidemics and preventable diseases with vaccines, the Department of Preventive Medicine respectfully requests the Departments of Health of provinces and centrally run cities to direct and organize the implementation of the following contents:

- Strengthen surveillance, testing, and early detection of cases of pertussis and vaccine-prevented diseases in the community and medical examination and treatment facilities; Deploy thorough handling of newly arising outbreaks. Carry out well the work of collecting, treating, resuscitating patients, controlling infections, and preventing cross-infection in medical examination and treatment facilities. Work closely with the Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Pasteur analyzed the situation and assessed risks to propose and implement appropriate and timely anti-epidemic measures.

- Promote regular vaccination implementation for subjects under the EPI Program to ensure safety and effectiveness; Review and organize make-up vaccinations and vaccinations for those who have not been vaccinated or have not received enough vaccinations, especially during periods of interruption in vaccine supply.

- Promote communication about disease risks and measures to prevent pertussis and vaccine-preventable diseases so that people can proactively prevent diseases; Encourage families to get their children vaccinated fully and on schedule, and encourage preventive vaccination for pregnant women.

- Guide educational establishments, especially kindergartens, preschools, and nurseries, to implement disease prevention and control activities such as ensuring cleanliness, classroom ventilation, and adequate lighting; Practice good personal hygiene, regularly wash your hands with soap and clean water; Closely monitor students' health, promptly detect cases with suspected signs of illness, and notify medical facilities for timely coordination and treatment.

- Timely and fully report disease cases and outbreaks through the Infectious Disease Surveillance Management System according to the provisions of Circular 54/2015/TT-BYT providing guidance on reporting and declaration of infectious diseases and epidemics.

- Organize inspection teams and promptly direct disease prevention work, focusing on areas with recorded cases of the disease, localities with low vaccination rates, and poor management of vaccinated subjects. to proactively prevent whooping cough outbreaks and prevent diseases with vaccines.

More details can be found in Official Dispatch 218/DP-DT, dated March 20, 2024.

Ho Quoc Tuan

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