(Yicai) March 24 -- Several regions in China are ramping up a campaign to offer catch-up measles vaccinations to those who have not completed the full course, with some eligible to receive the shots for free, as measles outbreaks in several countries around the world raise concerns about imported cases.

Although there have been relatively few reported cases of measles in China in recent years, the disease is making a comeback in many parts of the world, Yu Wenzhou, chief physician at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said a press conference held by the National Health Commission on March 18. In fact, six of the 10 countries with the highest number of measles cases last year share borders with China. This means there is a significant risk of imported cases.

Given the current situation both globally and domestically, as well as potential prevention and control risks in certain areas, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration and the NHC are urging local authorities to step up routine vaccinations, Yu said. They are requiring areas where vaccination coverage is low to actively track down people who missed their shots and get them vaccinated.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. An unvaccinated person who comes into contact with an infected individual has an up to 90 percent chance of contracting it. The real danger lies not only in the infection itself but also in the complications it can lead to, such as pneumonia, encephalitis or inflammation of the brain, ear infections, laryngitis, and even myocarditis or inflammation of the heart.

In China, the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is part of the national immunization program. Children are given two free doses, one at eight months old and another at 18 months.

Recently, a community health center in Guangzhou’s Tianhe district said that children and adolescents aged 18 and under who did not receive both doses of the measles vaccine can receive free catch-up vaccinations. For adults aged over 18 who have never been vaccinated or who did not complete the full course, they can be vaccinated at their own expense.

Certain groups should be prioritized for catch-up shots of the MMR vaccine, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s branch in Shanghai’s Qingpu district said yesterday. These include border control and customs staff, airport workers, airline crews, healthcare workers, parents of young children, daycare and preschool staff, caregivers, postpartum nurses, domestic helpers, college students and people planning to go abroad.

Measles vaccinations prevented nearly 59 million deaths worldwide between 2000 and 2024, according to the World Health Organization. When 92 percent to 94 percent of the population is immune, either through vaccination or prior infection, it creates herd immunity, which can stop the virus from spreading.

Editor: Kim Taylor