Brian Jeffrey
The Pasteur Institute in HCM City announced on July 11 that it has temporarily run out of the diphtheria vaccine and is in the process of purchasing more vaccines urgently to replenish its stock in the coming days following the Public Procurement Law.
Tran Quoc Hung An and his wife from Binh Duong province visited the Pasteur Institute in HCM City for vaccinations as a precautionary measure after being informed about diphtheria, even though there have been no reported cases in the southern region.
Residents like Ms. Minh Anh from HCM City, along with her family, opted for vaccinations before embarking on a vacation to ensure their safety.
Dr. Dinh Van Thoi, the Head of the Vaccination Clinic at the Institute, observed a significant surge in the number of people seeking diphtheria vaccinations on July 9 and 10, with the daily count increasing from 10-15 to around 100 people.
The trend continued on July 11, with more individuals, especially children and the elderly, coming in for diphtheria vaccinations.
Dr. Thoi highlighted the low stock of diphtheria vaccines at the Institute and the urgent measures being taken to replenish the supply to prevent disruptions in vaccination services.
Symptoms of diphtheria include a sore throat, fever, neck swelling, weakness, and the formation of a thick gray membrane in the nose, tonsils, and throat, which can lead to breathing and swallowing difficulties.
It is advised to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing these symptoms for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Mr. Hoang Son, 67, stressed the importance of disease prevention by getting vaccinated, especially in the post-COVID-19 era, to protect oneself and others.
Associate Professor Dr. Do Van Dung from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in HCM City emphasized the need for preventive measures against diphtheria, given that the infection still exists in the community.
Health authorities can implement strategies like contact tracing, vaccinating exposed individuals, and providing antibiotics to manage and prevent outbreaks of diphtheria.
Residents like Ms. Tran Thi Huong shared their experiences of visiting the Pasteur Institute for vaccination due to the unavailability of vaccines at local health centers, emphasizing the importance of vaccination for peace of mind and maintaining their health.
During a press conference on July 11, Nguyen Hong Tam, Director of HCM City Center for Disease Control, clarified that there have been no reported cases of diphtheria in the city, dispelling rumors and highlighting the importance of vaccination to prevent potential outbreaks.
While acknowledging the risk of diphtheria spreading due to the city’s population density and mobility of individuals from other provinces, Tam stressed the significance of community immunity through vaccination as a preventive measure against the disease.
He advised the public not to be complacent, ensure vaccination compliance, and uphold necessary preventive measures to safeguard against diphtheria.
Bach Duong – Nguyen Hue
