Vietnam is expanding its Expanded Program on Immunization to include four new vaccines by 2030, adding protection against rotavirus, pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), and seasonal influenza. Phi Van Kien, Leiter der Abteilung für Impfstoffmanagement im Ministerium für Krankheitsprävention (Gesundheitsministerium), outlined the rollout schedule following Government Resolution No. 104/NQ-CP issued on August 15, 2022. The expanded schedule builds upon a public health initiative that has operated free of charge across Vietnam for more than 40 years. The program has previously eliminated polio in 2000 and neonatal tetanus in 2005, significantly reducing childhood mortality and morbidity from vaccine-preventable infections.
Vietnam Expands National Immunization Program With Four New Vaccines Through 2030
Phased Vaccine Rollout Schedule Through 2030
The Ministry of Health has established specific timelines for introducing each of the four new vaccines into the public distribution framework: * Rotavirus Vaccine: Initially introduced on a small scale across select provinces in 2024, the rotavirus vaccine is scheduled for nationwide rollout starting in early 2026. * Pneumococcal Vaccine: The ministry plans a targeted, small-scale rollout across 10 provinces beginning in late 2026. * HPV Vaccine: Procurement procedures are currently underway, with nationwide integration expected between 2026 and 2027. * Seasonal Influenza Vaccine: Scheduled for full integration into the immunization program by 2030 under the government-approved roadmap. These additions bring the total number of publicly provided vaccines in the program to twelve. The existing catalog already covers hepatitis B, tuberculosis, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT), combination DPT-VGB-Hib, oral polio vaccine (OPV), injectable polio vaccine (IPV), measles, measles-rubella (MR), Japanese encephalitis B, tetanus for pregnant women and adults, reduced-dose diphtheria-tetanus (Td), and now rotavirus.
First Eight Months of 2026 Performance and Public Health Impact
According to the Department of Disease Prevention, the immunization program achieved its national targets for the first eight months of 2026. High coverage rates were maintained across baseline interventions, including neonatal hepatitis B inoculations and tetanus vaccinations for expectant mothers. Health officials attribute these sustained vaccination rates to generations of preventive medicine and primary healthcare workers. In remote and disadvantaged regions, medical staff continue to manage logistical barriers to maintain reliable vaccine supply chains and ensure community access. Alongside the public program, private and voluntary vaccination campaigns operate as a supplementary layer for individuals seeking additional protection.
National Photography Competition Highlights Immunization Efforts
Ahead of the implementation of the Disease Prevention Law on July 1, 2026, and the rollout of the three-year expanded immunization plan spanning 2026 to 2028, the Central Center for Health Communication and Education is hosting a national photography contest. The contest highlights the labor of preventive medicine teams, primary care workers, and community participation. Submissions are open from September 30 to October 31, 2026, featuring categories for single images and photo series containing five to eight pictures. Organizers have structured the awards to include one first prize, three second prizes, five third prizes, seven consolation prizes, and nine special prizes.
Keep reading