Vietnam Enhances National Vaccination Initiative

Post by : Shakul

The Ministry of Health in Vietnam has released Circular 13/2026/TT-BYT aimed at reinforcing vaccination initiatives nationwide. This regulation broadens the range of diseases included in the mandatory national immunization program, seeking to enhance public health protection through improved vaccine distribution and management systems.

This new circular mandates vaccination against 14 diseases under Vietnam's Expanded Immunization Program. The diseases are Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Measles, Rubella, Japanese encephalitis, Rotavirus diarrhea, Pneumococcal disease, and Human papillomavirus infection. The Ministry retains the authority to add more diseases as deemed necessary.

Additionally, 11 infectious diseases will necessitate compulsory vaccination efforts during epidemic response initiatives. These include Diphtheria, Polio, Pertussis, Rubella, Measles, Cholera, Japanese encephalitis, Rabies, Influenza, and COVID-19. Future additions will rely on insights from the World Health Organization and subsequent government actions.

Health officials highlighted that the new directive establishes more rigorous vaccination management protocols to ensure accuracy and clarity within the healthcare system. The vaccination management database will store essential personal details of vaccinated individuals, alongside information of guardians for minors, within disease prevention frameworks.

Local health centers will collaborate with relevant organizations to compile and update lists of individuals subject to mandatory vaccination. Facilities nationwide will issue individual tracking numbers and maintain accurate records within the National Vaccination Information Management System, aiming to prevent duplication and enhance surveillance.

Moreover, those opting for voluntary vaccinations will also enter the digital vaccination management framework. Facilities providing voluntary immunizations are required to keep precise records and ensure that this data is thoroughly uploaded into the national database. Separate management processes will apply to individuals under the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of National Defense.

Vietnamese authorities are confident that these revised vaccination regulations will bolster disease prevention measures, enhance healthcare coordination, and contribute to long-term public health objectives. The government asserts that expanding vaccine coverage is crucial for shielding communities from infectious diseases and upholding national health security in the future.

This circular will take effect on July 1, 2026, with healthcare agencies across the country making arrangements to adopt the updated immunization practices and management systems prior to this date.