Hanoi, September 18 (VNA) – The Prime Minister has issued a directive requiring authorities of all provinces and centrally-run cities to ensure at least 95 percent of children aged 1-14 in their localities receive measles and Rubella vaccination in a national drive from now to early next year.

The Ministry of Health is instructed to work with relevant agencies and provincial and municipal People’s Committees to build detailed plans for the vaccination drive.

At the same time, the ministry must ensure sufficient supply of vaccines and other necessary materials for all localities.

The Ministry of Education and Training is tasked with raising the awareness of teachers, children and parents about the importance of vaccination.

The Prime Minister also requests the Ministry of National Defence to assist vaccination efforts in remote areas.

Many localities across the country have launched their own plans on giving measles and Rubella shots to children.

A measles epidemic erupted in the country in the first quarter of this year with outbreaks reported in 61 out of 63 cities and provinces. As many as 5,031 cases of measles were recorded in Vietnam in the first half of 2014. The disease was put under control in May.