Vietnam records 740 measles cases as under‑vaccinated children flood hospitals

Vietnam's Central Children's Hospital reported 740 measles cases from 1 January to 10 June 2026, averaging about 30 admissions each week. The majority of the patients had not received the full recommended vaccination schedule, highlighting ongoing gaps in immunity.

Health officials emphasized that children need at least two doses of measles vaccine—first at 9‑12 months and a second at 15‑18 months—with a booster between ages 4‑6 to maintain protection. In high‑risk settings, an additional early dose from six months may be administered under WHO guidance. Experts warned that delayed or missed vaccinations increase the risk of severe complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, or encephalitis, and impede the 95 % community‑immunity target.

The hospital noted that many cases were linked to prior visits to crowded health facilities, underscoring the need for parents to provide exposure histories and adhere to immunisation timelines to curb transmission.