Answer:

Each vaccine is carefully studied for dosage, age appropriateness, effectiveness, intervals between doses, minimum and maximum ages, and recommended ages before being licensed for use. The scheduled appointment is the optimal time for the body to produce the best antibodies to protect against viruses and bacteria that cause disease. Receiving the full course of vaccinations helps the body produce antibodies and maximize immunity. If the vaccination schedule is not followed, if doses are missed, or if the intervals between doses are too long, the vaccine's effectiveness may be reduced, and it may not offer full protection.

However, if your vaccination schedule is interrupted by unavoidable circumstances like a typhoon, you shouldn't worry too much. Reschedule your vaccination as soon as the weather permits.

An area in Nghe An affected by Typhoon Kajiki on 25/8. Photo: Duc Hung

While awaiting vaccination, prioritize preventive measures. Typhoons often lead to humid conditions that foster mold, bacteria, and viruses, increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses. Practice frequent handwashing, use air conditioning or fans appropriately, and avoid getting drenched in the rain. This helps reduce the risk of contracting respiratory infections like influenza, RSV, pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease, measles, chickenpox, mumps, and rubella.

Maintain a clean living environment by regularly disposing of waste and addressing stagnant water and puddles after the rain to prevent mosquito breeding and ward off diseases like dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and Chikungunya. Limit direct contact with floodwaters to reduce the risk of infections through open wounds, such as tetanus. If environmental cleanup is necessary, use gloves and protective gear to avoid injuries.

Stock up on enough food, drinking water, medicine, and essential supplies to last through the storm. Ensure all food is cooked thoroughly, water is boiled, and only fresh food and clean water are consumed to avoid gastrointestinal infections like cholera, typhoid fever, rotavirus, and hepatitis A.

Doctor Pham Hong Thuyet

Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System

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