DIPHTHERIA VACCINATION

Published: 07:47 - 13/07/2024 Author: Nguyễn Văn Thành 17:14 15/07/2024 Views: 1

🤖 AI Translation Notice: This article was automatically translated by AI from the official Vietnamese publication of the School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health (HMU). For official legal/administrative reference, please consult the original Vietnamese version →.

Diphtheria is an acute bacterial infection and intoxication caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It commonly affects young children, but adults can also contract it if they lack immunity. The diphtheria bacterium produces a toxin that damages the upper respiratory tract and can spread throughout the body, leading to severe complications. Currently, there is a vaccine to prevent the disease and specific treatments for diphtheria. However, as the disease has not yet been eradicated in Vietnam, vaccination remains the most important and effective preventive measure.

DIPHTHERIA VACCINATION IS THE MOST SPECIFIC, IMPORTANT, AND EFFECTIVE PREVENTIVE MEASURE!

According to Decision 3593/QD-BYT, dated August 18, 2020, the schedule for primary and booster doses is as follows:

Primary Doses:

Administer 3 primary doses of diphtheria-containing vaccine at full strength, often combined in 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 vaccines.

+ First dose at 2 months of age.

+ Second dose at 3 months of age.

+ Third dose at 4 months of age.

It is best to complete the third dose before 6 months of age. Ensure a vaccination rate of over 95% in all communes/wards within the Expanded Program on Immunization.

Booster Doses:

+ Fourth dose: Administer diphtheria-containing vaccine at full strength, at 18 to 24 months of age.

+ Fifth dose: Administer diphtheria-containing vaccine at reduced strength, at 4 to 7 years of age.

+ Sixth dose: Administer diphtheria-containing vaccine at reduced strength, at 9 to 15 years of age.

For children over 1 year of age and adults who have not been previously vaccinated or do not recall their vaccination history:
Administer 3 primary doses:
Diphtheria-containing vaccine with antigen content appropriate for age and according to manufacturer's instructions.
Dose 1: Administer as early as possible.
Dose 2: Administer at least 4 weeks after Dose 1.
Dose 3: Administer at least 6 months after Dose 2.
Booster Doses:
2 doses of diphtheria-containing vaccine with antigen content appropriate for age or according to manufacturer's instructions, with booster doses administered 1 year apart.