Vaccines and immunization

The national expanded programme on immunization (EPI) provides immunization to protect against 10 vaccine-preventable diseases in Viet Nam - tuberculosis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, measles, rubella, Japanese encephalitis and pertussis. 

Viet Nam plans to introduce the rotavirus vaccine in 2024 and, in the coming years, vaccines against pneumococcal infection (PCV) and human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer. 

The number of children dying from vaccine-preventable causes in Viet Nam has reduced significantly since 1981, when Viet Nam introduced the EPI, with the aim to ensure that every child, everywhere in Viet Nam can receive the lifesaving protection of routine immunizations.  

Since the start of the programme, Viet Nam has eradicated smallpox and polio, eliminated neonatal tetanus, and dramatically reduced other vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, diphtheria, pertussis, and Japanese encephalitis, by immunizing millions of children.  

Vaccine security and vaccine safety are critical factors to maintain the national immunization system. 

WHO’s work on immunization in Viet Nam is guided by the Regional Strategic Framework for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunization in the Western Pacific 2021-2030, which supports countries and areas of the Region to achieve the vision and seven strategic priorities of the Immunization Agenda 2030.  

In Viet Nam, WHO’s support for immunization includes accelerating catch-up vaccination for children who missed out on doses, strengthening the immunization system including by integrating immunization into primary health care, supporting the introduction of new vaccines and vaccination to reach different age groups across the life course.