According to a representative from the Department of Disease Prevention (Ministry of Health) during a medical event on December 26, Vietnam’s national immunization system is set for a significant expansion with the inclusion of new essential vaccines.
Detailed Implementation Timeline Starting in 2026, vaccines protecting against Pneumococcal bacteria and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) will be officially integrated into the national expanded program on immunization (EPI), provided free of charge to the public:
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Q1 2026: Rollout of the Pneumococcal vaccine. Initial batches have already arrived in Vietnam and are currently undergoing rigorous quality testing.
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Second Half of 2026 (Q3 or Q4): Launch of the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, following the completion of procurement and import procedures.
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2030 Vision: The seasonal influenza vaccine is projected to be the next addition to the free immunization list for citizens.
Methodology and Coverage Targets The Ministry of Health has adopted a phased and cautious strategy:
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Initial Phase: Small-scale pilot programs will be conducted in selected localities and for priority groups.
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Practical Assessment: Expansion to a nationwide scale will only occur after evaluating the effectiveness and safety data from the pilot results.
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Coverage Goal: The healthcare sector aims for a minimum 95% coverage rate for all vaccines in the program by 2030, ensuring accessibility even in remote and hard-to-reach areas.