The Pasteur Institute of HCM City is seeing a surge in vaccination demand, with crowds 7-10 times larger than usual, as many people seek vaccinations following a diphtheria-related death in Nghe An province.
The Pasteur Institute of HCM City announced on July 11 afternoon that it has temporarily run out of diphtheria vaccine. The institute is urgently purchasing more vaccines according to the Public Procurement Law to replenish its stock in the coming days.
At 7:30 am, July 11, Tran Quoc Hung An and his wife (from Binh Duong province) arrived at the Pasteur Institute in HCM City for vaccinations after reading about diphtheria.
"Even though there haven't been any diphtheria cases in the South, we wanted to get vaccinated for peace of mind. The place where we live doesn't have the diphtheria vaccine, so we had to come here," Hung shared.
Ms. Minh Anh from HCM City said that she, her husband, her parents-in-law, and three children decided to get vaccinated before their upcoming vacation to ensure their safety.
Dr. Dinh Van Thoi, Head of the Vaccination Clinic at the Institute, noted that the number of people coming for diphtheria vaccinations spiked dramatically on July 9 and 10. Previously, the clinic received about 10-15 people per day, but now it's around 100.
On July 11, the number of people coming for diphtheria vaccinations continues to rise, including many children and elderly individuals.
According to doctor Thoi, the current stock of diphtheria vaccines at the Institute is low. The Institute's officials have ordered an urgent replenishment to avoid disruptions in vaccination services.
Typical symptoms of diphtheria include sore throat, fever, neck swelling, and weakness. A few days after the initial infection, a thick gray membrane can form on the nose, tonsils, and throat, making it difficult to breathe and swallow.
Doctors advise that anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Mr. Hoang Son, 67, from District 1, HCM City, visited the Pasteur Institute alone for a diphtheria vaccination. He emphasized the importance of disease prevention over treatment, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. "It's not just about protecting myself but also safeguarding those around me," he said.
Associate Professor Dr. Do Van Dung, Head of the Public Health Department at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in HCM City, explained that diphtheria is an infectious disease that has not been eradicated, so the pathogen still exists in the community. Avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals and maintaining respiratory hygiene is crucial.
In addition, health authorities can implement measures to prevent outbreaks, such as tracing contacts, vaccinating those with exposure history, and treating patients with antibiotics.
Ms. Tran Thi Huong from HCM City stated that she had to visit the Pasteur Institute for her vaccination because the local health center had run out of vaccines. "I am older and have a poorer immune system, so getting vaccinated gives me peace of mind. Many of my family members got vaccinated yesterday," she shared.
At HCMC's regular press conference held on July 11 afternoon, Nguyen Hong Tam, Director of HCM City Center for Disease Control, confirmed that there have been no reported cases of diphtheria in the city.
"Recently, there have been some rumors about diphtheria cases in HCM City, but these are false. The most recent case of diphtheria recorded in HCM City was in 2020, involving an individual from another province. Therefore, people should not be overly worried," Tam clarified.
However, Tam also noted that there is a potential risk of diphtheria spreading to HCMC due to its high population density, convenient transportation, and frequent influx of tourists and workers from other provinces.
According to Tam, the likelihood of contracting and spreading diphtheria also depends on the level of community immunity. People can proactively prevent the disease by getting vaccinated. The higher the community immunity rate, the lower the chances of infection and transmission.
"Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable infectious disease with specific treatments available. However, people should not be complacent and must ensure they and their children receive all necessary vaccine doses," he advised.
Vietnamnet.vn
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