Vietnam Battles Measles Surge as Vaccination Rates Lag

Vietnam is grappling with a sharp rise in measles cases, with Hanoi and Da Nang among the hardest-hit areas, as health officials scramble to boost vaccination rates among young children. In Hanoi alone, over 1,400 cases have been recorded since last year, while Da Nang reports more than 2,200 suspected infections since January. The surge, largely affecting unvaccinated children under five, has exposed critical gaps in immunisation coverage and raised fears of further outbreaks of other infectious diseases like dengue fever and hand, foot, and mouth disease.

The Hanoi Department of Health has sounded the alarm, with deputy director Vũ Cao Cương warning that the number of cases is expected to climb. “Most cases involve individuals who have not been vaccinated or have not received a full dose of the measles vaccine,” Cương noted. As of 14 March, the capital recorded 1,446 cases, with 876 of those emerging in just over two months this year. The majority—91 per cent—are children who have either missed vaccinations entirely or received only partial doses.

A Crisis Among the Youngest

The outbreak in Hanoi has disproportionately struck children under five, who account for 66 per cent of cases. Disturbingly, a growing number of infections are among infants aged six to eight months, younger than the standard vaccination age of nine months under Vietnam’s national immunisation programme. Districts such as Hoàng Mai, with 221 cases, and Hà Đông, with 100, are bearing the brunt of the outbreak, while cases have spread across all 30 districts, affecting 377 communes and townships.

In response, Hanoi authorities, led by vice chairwoman Vũ Thu Hà of the People’s Committee, have launched an urgent vaccination campaign targeting children aged six to nine months. The goal is to achieve a 95 per cent vaccination rate by the end of March, in line with government directives. However, current coverage stands at just 66 per cent city-wide, with some districts like Đống Đa and Nam Từ Liêm lagging significantly behind.

Beyond measles, Hanoi is bracing for seasonal spikes in other diseases. The city has already recorded 290 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, 186 cases of dengue fever, and over 4,000 cases of seasonal influenza this year. With the dengue epidemic season looming from June to November, health officials are on high alert, monitoring incoming travellers at Nội Bài International Airport to prevent the importation of further infections.

Da Nang Overwhelmed by Suspected Cases

Further south, Da Nang is facing an even graver situation, with 2,218 suspected measles cases reported since the start of 2025. At Da Nang Maternity and Paediatrics Hospital, over 1,300 suspected and confirmed cases have been treated, with 93 patients requiring oxygen support. The hospital is seeing 40 to 70 new cases daily, half of which are from neighbouring Quảng Nam Province.

Dr Võ Thu Tùng, deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Health, has called for heightened vigilance among healthcare facilities. “We’ve instructed hospitals to prioritise screening, infection control, and public communication to prevent further transmission,” he said. Authorities are pushing to accelerate vaccinations for children aged six to nine months, as well as catch-up doses for those aged one to ten years who have missed out on the full regimen under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI).

The strain on Da Nang’s health system is palpable. Overcrowded wards and a steady influx of patients underscore the urgency of boosting vaccination rates to curb the outbreak. If left unchecked, officials warn, the situation could lead to fatalities, particularly among children with underlying health conditions who require frequent hospitalisation.

Lai Châu Faces Complex Challenges

In the remote north-western province of Lai Châu, the measles outbreak has taken on a different dimension, complicated by the region’s mountainous terrain and limited access to healthcare. The Lai Châu Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has recorded 663 suspected cases with fever and rash, a staggering increase of 653 compared to the same period last year. Of these, 116 have been confirmed as measles through testing, while 515 are epidemiologically linked to the disease.

At Lai Châu Provincial General Hospital, the Infectious Diseases Department is overwhelmed, treating over 80 patients ranging from five to over 50 years old. Hospital rooms are crowded, with many beds shared among patients exhibiting classic measles symptoms such as fever, cough, and red skin eruptions. Dr Hàng Láo Lử, department head, noted that no cases were hospitalised last year, but numbers have surged since early 2025.

The provincial health sector is urging residents to vaccinate children aged nine months to two years who have not received the recommended two doses. Yet, reaching remote communities remains a significant hurdle, exacerbating the spread of the virus in areas with historically low immunisation rates.

Broader Implications for Public Health

Vietnam’s measles crisis highlights systemic challenges in the country’s public health infrastructure, particularly around vaccine uptake. The national immunisation programme, while robust in theory, has struggled to reach all children, especially in rural and underserved areas like Lai Châu. In urban centres such as Hanoi and Da Nang, vaccine hesitancy and logistical barriers—such as parents missing scheduled doses—have contributed to the current surge.

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, can be prevented with two doses of the vaccine, which offers near-lifelong immunity. However, coverage gaps leave populations vulnerable, particularly young children whose immune systems are still developing. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a 95 per cent vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity and prevent outbreaks, a target Vietnam is currently falling short of in many regions.

The situation is compounded by the potential for other infectious diseases to spread alongside measles. Hanoi’s health officials are already tracking rises in hand, foot, and mouth disease and dengue fever, both of which follow seasonal patterns that could strain resources further. If vaccination campaigns and preventive measures fail to gain traction, the country risks a multi-front public health crisis.

A Call for Urgent Action

Analysts suggest that Vietnam’s response to the measles outbreak could serve as a litmus test for its broader disease prevention strategies. If successful, the current vaccination campaigns in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Lai Châu could pave the way for stronger immunisation drives nationwide. However, if coverage remains below target levels, the outbreaks may persist, potentially leading to preventable deaths and long-term health impacts among children.

Local authorities are under pressure to act swiftly. In Hanoi, Vice Chairwoman Vũ Thu Hà has called for proactive monitoring and early intervention, while Da Nang’s health department is focusing on infection control and public awareness. In Lai Châu, the emphasis is on overcoming geographical barriers to deliver vaccines to remote communities.

For now, the focus remains on the youngest and most vulnerable. Parents across Vietnam are being urged to ensure their children receive the measles vaccine, whether through regular immunisation schedules or catch-up campaigns. As the country battles this preventable disease, the stakes could not be higher—both for public health and for trust in Vietnam’s ability to safeguard its future generations.