Nationwide rollout of Rota vaccine As of January 2026, Vietnam has officially implemented the nationwide distribution of free Rotavirus vaccines for infants under one year old. This strategic move aims to alleviate the healthcare burden caused by acute diarrhea, which accounted for approximately 20% to 50% of pediatric hospitalizations in Vietnam between 2016 and 2023.
In major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, vaccination activities have been synchronized across communal health centers. Health authorities aim to achieve a coverage rate exceeding 95% for eligible children receiving the full two-dose regimen.
Upcoming integration of Pneumococcal and HPV vaccines In addition to the Rota vaccine, the Ministry of Health plans to incorporate two other vital vaccines into the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) during 2026:
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Pneumococcal vaccine: Expected to launch in Q1 2026 following quality control completion.
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HPV vaccine (Cervical cancer prevention): Scheduled for introduction in late Q3 or Q4 2026, allowing time for procurement and import procedures.
Upgrading grassroots healthcare infrastructure To ensure vaccine quality during direct distribution to local levels, provinces are accelerating the standardization of cold chain systems. In Ho Chi Minh City, the goal is for 100% of health stations to meet GSP (Good Storage Practice) standards by the end of Q1 2026, ensuring they are fully equipped for safe local immunization.
Transitioning these vaccines from paid services to free public access removes financial barriers for families and strengthens the preventive healthcare system for Vietnamese children from an early age.