CẢNH BÁO PHỤ HUYNH: KHÔNG ĐỂ DỊCH SỞI QUAY TRỞ LẠI

Warning of Measles Resurgence: Parents Should Not Be Complacent

In 2025, Vietnam recorded a serious outbreak of measles across many provinces and cities nationwide. According to health authorities, thousands of measles cases were reported, the majority of which involved children under five years old who had not received full vaccination. This reality highlights the ongoing risk of measles resurgence and calls for heightened vigilance from parents and the wider community.

Insufficient Vaccination Coverage Identified as the Main Cause

According to the Ministry of Health, one of the key factors contributing to the increase in measles cases is vaccination coverage failing to reach the level required for community immunity. Many children have not received the full two doses of the measles–rubella vaccine, or vaccination has been delayed due to parental concerns about post-vaccination reactions.

When herd immunity declines, the measles virus can spread easily through the respiratory tract, quickly forming large outbreaks, especially in areas with high concentrations of young children.

Measles Is More Dangerous Than Commonly Assumed

Measles is an acute viral infectious disease that spreads rapidly. Early symptoms typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, followed by the appearance of a generalized rash.

More seriously, measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, malnutrition, and even death if not detected and treated promptly. Young children, particularly those under two years of age, are considered the most vulnerable group.

Full and Timely Vaccination Remains the Most Effective Preventive Measure

Health experts emphasize that complete and timely measles vaccination is the most effective way to protect children and prevent outbreaks in the community.

Currently, the recommended measles vaccination schedules include:

• Three-dose schedule:
• Dose 1: Single measles vaccine at 9 months of age
• Dose 2: Measles–Mumps–Rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12 months of age
• Dose 3: MMR booster after three years or when the child is 4–6 years old
• Two-dose schedule:
• Dose 1: MMR vaccine at 12 months of age
• Dose 2: MMR booster three months later

Do Not Ignore Warning Signs in Children

Parents should take children to medical facilities immediately if they show warning signs such as lethargy, poor feeding or refusal to feed; frequent vomiting or prolonged diarrhea; difficulty breathing or rapid breathing; persistent high fever unresponsive to antipyretics; continued fever after the rash has faded; seizures or altered consciousness.

In addition, maintaining good personal hygiene, keeping living environments clean, and ensuring adequate nutrition play an important role in disease prevention.

Proactive Prevention to Avoid Serious Consequences

The measles outbreak in 2025 serves as a clear warning about the consequences of neglecting vaccination. Protecting children’s health is not solely the responsibility of the healthcare sector but requires cooperation from every family, starting with simple yet essential actions such as vaccinating children fully and on schedule.

Currently, the Vaccination Center under the TNH Hospital System provides a full range of measles vaccines, including single measles vaccines and combined Measles–Mumps–Rubella vaccines, all stored and administered in strict compliance with professional standards.

Parents are strongly advised not to be complacent and to proactively ensure timely vaccination for their children to help prevent the return of measles outbreaks in the future.