Vietnam Intensifies Measles Vaccination Campaign Following prime Minister’s Directive

HANOI, March 17, 2025 — In a swift response to the Prime Minister’s urgent call to action, Vietnam is ramping up it’s measles vaccination efforts. This initiative follows concerns over rising measles cases and aims to protect public health through widespread immunization. The VNVC vaccination system has pledged support through a significant donation and a nationwide awareness campaign.

Half a Million Measles Vaccine Doses Donated

The VNVC vaccination system donated 500,000 doses of the measles vaccine (MVVAC – Vietnam) to the Ministry of Health. This donation is strategically aimed at accelerating vaccine coverage across the country.The move underscores a commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from the highly contagious disease.

Addressing Vaccination Gaps Post-Pandemic

Dr. Nghiem tran dung,representative of VNVC,highlighted the association’s long-standing commitment to measles prevention,stating that over the past eight years,VNVC has distributed “millions of doses of safe vaccines against measles,thus protecting the health of millions of children and adults.” Though, he acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine vaccination schedules, possibly leaving many children and adults unvaccinated. “Due to the difficulties of vaccination after the Covid-19 Pandemia, it is indeed possible that a large number of children and adults have not been wholly vaccinated both in the expanded immunization program and in service vaccination,” he explained, suggesting this as a possible factor in the recent surge in measles cases.

Collaboration for Rapid Vaccine Coverage

VNVC boasts a network of approximately 220 vaccination centers nationwide,equipped with over 4,000 vaccination lines. However, achieving complete coverage requires collaboration. For this purpose, Dr. Dung emphasized that to “create rapid vaccination coverage, coordination between the VNVC Vaccination System and the Expanded Immunization Program (PAI) of the localities are essential.” He affirmed VNVC’s readiness to support the Ministry of Health, stating that as soon as the Prime Minister ordered the Ministry of Health to accelerate vaccination urgently, VNVC was ready to contribute and donate a large number of measles vaccines to support the Ministry of Health in rapid vaccination and disease prevention for the community.”

National Campaign: “Let’s Do to Prevent Measles”

Alongside the vaccine donation, VNVC launched a national campaign, “let’s do to prevent measles,” aimed at raising public awareness and promoting preventative measures. This campaign includes seminars and online forums to address public concerns about measles and the ongoing epidemic.

Financial Support and Vaccine Options

VNVC is also implementing policies to improve access to measles vaccines, including interest-free installment plans for up to 12 months. This program aims to alleviate financial barriers for families, ensuring that children and relatives can receive necessary vaccinations. Dr. Bach Thi Chinh, medical director of VNVC, noted that they offer a “complete range of measles vaccines,” including MVVAC (vietnam), Priorix (Belgium), and MMR-II (USA). she clarified that “MVVAC is a unique vaccine against measles,” while “MMR-II and Priorix are combined vaccines that prevent three diseases: measles, paper and rubella in the same injection, improving the effectiveness of disease prevention and saving vaccination costs.”

Looking Ahead: Expanding Vaccine Availability

In addition to measles vaccines, VNVC seeks to expand access to other critical immunizations. Dr. Chinh stated that they are striving to complete sepsis, the meningococcal vaccine of Group B, the ACYW, the Dengue vaccine, the Herpes Zóster vaccine. The company also offers incentive programs, including “vaccinating programs first, pay later,” where “100% of the interest is paid by VNVC on behalf of customers” to help make vaccines affordable.

The Road Ahead

Vietnam’s proactive measures, including the VNVC donation and national awareness campaign, demonstrate a strong commitment to combating the measles outbreak.By addressing vaccination gaps and promoting accessibility, the country aims to protect its citizens and prevent future epidemics. To learn more about measles prevention and vaccination schedules, consult with your healthcare provider and visit the Ministry of Health website.stay informed, stay vaccinated, and help protect your community from measles.

How can individuals and communities actively support and promote vaccination efforts to ensure the health and well-being of everyone, especially the moast vulnerable among us?

Vietnam Intensifies Measles Vaccination Campaign: An Exclusive Interview

Archyde News speaks with Dr. Anya Sharma, a public health specialist, about Vietnam’s newly invigorated measles vaccination campaign and its impact on public health.

The Measles Outbreak and vietnam’s Response

archyde: Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us. Vietnam is facing a concerning rise in measles cases. Can you explain the urgency behind the Prime Minister’s directive to intensify measles vaccination efforts?

Dr. Sharma: Certainly. The rising number of measles cases in Vietnam poses a significant public health threat. measles is highly contagious, and in vulnerable populations, especially children, it can lead to severe complications and even death. The Prime Minister’s directive is a crucial step toward controlling the outbreak and protecting the population.

VNVC’s Contribution and Vaccination Coverage

Archyde: The VNVC vaccination system has donated a significant amount of measles vaccines. How significant is this contribution to achieving widespread measles vaccine coverage?

Dr. Sharma: The VNVC’s donation of 500,000 doses of the measles vaccine is incredibly valuable. It substantially boosts the available resources for the vaccination campaign, enabling health officials to reach a larger number of individuals quickly. This support is critical in accelerating the vaccination process and curbing the spread of the disease.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Routine Immunization

Archyde: It’s been stated that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine vaccination schedules. How has this affected measles immunization rates?

Dr. Sharma: The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly created gaps in routine immunization programs worldwide, and Vietnam is no exception. Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and the strain on healthcare systems have made it tough for families to access essential vaccinations.These disruptions likely contributed to a larger pool of susceptible individuals, increasing the risk of measles outbreaks.

Collaboration and Measles prevention

Archyde: Collaboration is key. How important is the coordination between VNVC and the Expanded Immunization Program to fully protect citizens with measles vaccines?

Dr. Sharma: Collaboration between the VNVC Vaccination System and the Expanded Immunization Program (EPI) is vitally important. They both provide different points of access for the public, and by coordinating their efforts, they can maximize vaccine coverage, notably in underserved communities. Working together guarantees a thorough, organized, and community-focused approach with efficient allocation of resources.

Measles Awareness and Preventative Measures

Archyde: VNVC has launched a national initiative to raise public awareness. How dose public education factor in and help prevent measles?

dr. Sharma: Public awareness is paramount in any vaccination campaign. By educating the public about the importance of vaccination and preventing measles, we can overcome vaccine hesitancy. Communicating accurate facts about measles and vaccination through seminars and online forums empowers people to make informed decisions, protecting themselves, their families, and the community.

Addressing Financial obstacles to Vaccination

Archyde: VNVC is offering incentive plans,including interest-free payment options. How will this affect vaccine accessibility?

Dr.Sharma: Financial barriers can prevent families from accessing vital vaccines. The interest-free payment plan makes quality vaccines more affordable for low-income families. The commitment to prioritize public health by reducing and removing the financial burden will enable more families to receive crucial preventative care that helps protect their general health and well-being.

Expanding Access To Other Crucial Vaccinations

Archyde: What future plans does VNVC have for expanding access to other critical vaccinations?

Dr. Sharma: VNVC’s pursuit of increasing access to other vaccinations ( such as Dengue and Herpes Zoster) is encouraging in the continuous work towards preventative health. Expanding vaccination options contributes to further protection of the community while also reducing the amount of preventable diseases.

The Future of Measles Prevention in Vietnam

Archyde: What are the long-term prospects of Vietnam’s measles vaccination efforts? From your perspective, how effective will Vietnam’s current plan be in protecting citizens from measles?

Dr. Sharma: The long-term success of Vietnam’s measles prevention efforts depends on sustaining high vaccination coverage rates and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to outbreaks.The integration of current vaccination campaigns, continued public education, strong surveillance systems, and a commitment to equitable allocation of resources will be effective in mitigating challenges and creating a healthier future.

Archyde: Thank you,Dr. Sharma, for your insight. what question about this situation do you wish more people were asking?

Dr. Sharma: That’s a thought-provoking question. I wish more people were asking: ‘How can we, as individuals and communities, actively support and promote vaccination efforts to ensure the health and well-being of everyone, especially the most vulnerable among us?’ The answers to that could truly make a difference.