The Ministry of Health said that from April 12 to April 17, the country recorded 4,122 suspected measles cases, down 8.8% compared to the previous week, and recorded 2 measles-related deaths. Of these, one was being treated for cancer, had many underlying diseases, and one child was hospitalized late after 3 days.
Since the beginning of 2025, the country has recorded 76,312 suspected measles cases in 63 provinces and cities, of which 8,614 were positive.
Most of the provinces with increasing cases are in the Northern region, the number of cases will increase starting from 2025 (2024 has a very low number of cases), the number of cases in the remaining regions has basically leveled off.
The Ministry of Health also said that the age of the disease has begun to change by age group after the end of the measles vaccination campaign. Specifically, compared to the first 3 months of 2025, the group from 1 year old to 10 years old (accounting for 61.4%) decreased by 6%; slightly decreased in the group under 1 year old (accounting for 2.7%), decreased by 0.4% (including the group of children under 6 months old who are not indicated for measles vaccination); the group over 10 years old (accounting for 35.9%) increased by 6.4%.
By the end of April 17, 52/54 provinces achieved a vaccination rate of over 95% (meeting the planned target), 2 provinces had a vaccination rate of 90%.
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In response to this change, the Ministry of Health has sent an official dispatch to the Institutes of Epidemiology, Pasteur Institutes and the Departments of Health of provinces and cities to review and propose registration of subjects for measles vaccination, coordinate with relevant units to develop a plan to implement the 3rd phase of the measles vaccination campaign in 2025, and at the same time direct medical facilities to strengthen medical examination and treatment and infection control.
Expanding vaccination target groups
Although the epidemic situation has shown signs of easing, the health sector still recognizes many challenges. Some localities have not achieved high vaccination rates (≥95%) due to difficulties in reaching the subjects, especially in remote areas and large urban areas. Awareness among some people is still limited, leading to fear of vaccination, while the number of grassroots health workers is still low, making implementation difficult.
To respond effectively, the Ministry of Health directed the Departments of Health of provinces and cities to strengthen communication about the epidemic situation and disease prevention recommendations; review children aged 11 to 15 who have not been vaccinated, have not received 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine in all provinces and cities, and have unknown vaccination history, have never had measles, and wish to receive the vaccine to ensure accuracy, clearly stating the number of subjects in high-risk areas.