Experts indicate that a small number of individuals vaccinated against diphtheria do not receive sufficient doses, leading to the risk of contracting the disease due to waning immunity over time.
On July 10th, Associate Professor Tran Dac Phu, former Director of Preventive Health at the Ministry of Health, noted that the public often mistakenly believes that “after vaccination, one will not contract the disease.” In reality, the efficacy of vaccines cannot provide absolute protection of 100%, averaging between 90-95% depending on the type. Notably, immunity from vaccination decreases over time, along with individual health conditions.
“Nevertheless, vaccines play an important role in preventing diseases. In unfortunate cases where one does contract the illness, vaccines can also help reduce the severity of symptoms and lessen the risk of severe illness,” he said, recommending that everyone adhere to a complete vaccination schedule, including booster shots.
Agreeing with this view, Associate Professor Nguyen Thai Son, Deputy Director of the Testing Center at Medlatec Hospital, stated that “the reason for contracting the disease after vaccination is due to incomplete vaccination.” Accordingly, the vaccination schedule for diphtheria includes 3 primary doses given between 6-12 months, followed by 3 booster doses at 12-23 months, 4-7 years, and 5-13 years.
“By fully completing the 3 primary doses and 3 booster doses, diphtheria can be completely controlled,” Professor Son stated.
Healthcare worker administering vaccine to children at the hospital. (Photo: Chi Le).
On July 9th, the Ministry of Health reported that diphtheria is not yet eliminated in our country, and individuals can still contract the disease if they have not been vaccinated and are exposed to the pathogen. In fact, since the beginning of the year, the country has recorded 5 cases of diphtheria, including one fatality. The most recent case involved an 18-year-old female student from Nghe An, who died on July 5th. A friend who shared a room with her later returned to Bac Giang and is now testing positive and receiving treatment at the Central Tropical Hospital in Hanoi. Another person who had close contact with the student from Bac Giang has also tested positive for the disease.
The sporadic cases are attributed to vaccine coverage not reaching 90-95%, especially in remote and isolated areas, which are considered “vaccination desert areas.” “People living there tend to live in isolation, have limited interaction, and thus do not develop natural immunity from infections, nor do they have immunity from vaccinations. Therefore, when outbreaks occur, they often spread rapidly in these regions,” Phu explained.
Associate Professor Do Duy Cuong, Director of the Tropical Disease Center at Bach Mai Hospital, also acknowledged that low vaccination coverage leads to gaps in immunity, making it difficult to eradicate the disease. However, he assessed that the current risk of community transmission is “not high.” Current cases are sporadic because most children have been vaccinated at a young age.
“Only those children who have not been vaccinated or have not received the full vaccination schedule are at risk of contracting the disease,” Cuong added.
However, experts advise the public not to be complacent. When an outbreak occurs, anyone without immunity (either from vaccination or previous infection) is at risk of contracting the disease. These individuals may exhibit symptoms or may be asymptomatic (carriers), spreading the infection to others through contact.
The Department of Preventive Health advises the public to ensure their children receive complete vaccination against diphtheria on schedule. Regular hand washing with soap is essential. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Maintain daily personal hygiene, including care for the nose and throat. Limit contact with sick individuals or those suspected of being ill. Ensure living spaces are well-ventilated, clean, and adequately lit.
Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, transmitted through respiratory droplets, and has the potential to cause outbreaks.
After an incubation period of 2-5 days, patients typically experience mild fever, sore throat, discomfort, fatigue, poor appetite, pale skin, runny nose, and slightly red throat. A throat examination may reveal the presence of a white pseudomembrane on the tonsils, initially small but progressively spreading to cover the throat and uvula, appearing white, tough, and easily removable, which may lead to bleeding. Swollen neck lymph nodes can also cause a bulging neck appearance (pharyngeal diphtheria).
Severe complications may include myocarditis, laryngitis (hoarseness, stridor, wheezing), respiratory failure, choking, kidney failure, and neurological damage. If not treated with specific medication, it can lead to death.
This disease is treated specifically with antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin serum (Anti-Diphtheria Serum-ADS). Common antibiotics like Penicillin G, Erythromycin, or Azithromycin can kill diphtheria bacteria, with treatment duration ranging from 10-14 days.
