According to a VNVC representative, all vaccines are controlled from import, storage, and transportation to administration. Nearly 300 immunization centers nationwide have cold storage, cold chain systems, and vaccine storage cabinets meeting GSP standards.

This initiative is one of the acts of gratitude maintained by the VNVC Immunization Center System during major national holidays, such as Liberation Day and National Reunification Day (30/4), and Invalids and Martyrs' Day (27/7).

In the initial days of the program, VNVC centers nationwide welcomed numerous veterans, wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, Agent Orange victims, and people with meritorious service to the revolution. These individuals had participated in battles across the North, Central, and South regions, and fulfilled international duties in Cambodia, coming to receive free flu vaccines.

Tran Thi Xo, a 74-year-old veteran from the former Long An province, served as a liaison from the age of 11 and fought in Ben Luc, Long An, from 1966 to 1979. She was imprisoned for 18 months in Long An prison and traversed forests and streams through areas sprayed with defoliants.

Currently, Ms. Xo suffers from several chronic diseases, including asthma, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, requiring monthly hospital visits for medication. This is her second time participating in VNVC's free flu vaccination program. "We are very happy and grateful to receive practical care like free vaccinations", Ms. Xo stated.

Nguyen Van Hung, 61, from Dong Thap, served as a reconnaissance scout in the Cambodian battlefield from 2/1983 to 6/1986. His mission was to secretly infiltrate combat zones, identify enemy command posts, food and weapon depots, and battle positions.

Mr. Hung received the Third-Class Military Exploit Medal, the Third-Class Glorious Fighter Medal, and the Angkor Medal from the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Mr. Hung expressed his emotion over the care shown to veterans. The veteran hopes that community healthcare programs will continue to expand, allowing more people access to vaccines.

For Dang Van Minh, 78, from the former Soc Trang province, July always brings back memories of comrades and years of combat. As a local guerrilla in Soc Trang, he participated in many battles during the anti-American resistance. In 1968, he was arrested and imprisoned in Phu Quoc prison for five years. Those years of captivity left him with lasting health consequences that persist today.

Mr. Minh currently lives with diabetes and other health issues stemming from war injuries. "Getting free vaccinations helps us feel more secure as we age", he shared.

Trinh Minh Liem, 69, a veteran from the former Tien Giang province, served as a main force soldier in the Cambodian battlefield from 1978 to 1983. He currently receives treatment for hypertension and maintains vaccinations to reduce the risk of complications from influenza.

Mr. Liem mentioned this is his second consecutive year receiving a free flu vaccine from VNVC. After vaccination, even during seasonal changes, he may still experience a runny nose or mild cold, but the symptoms are no longer as severe as before.

Doctor of Medicine, First Degree Specialist Bach Thi Chinh, Medical Director of the VNVC Immunization Center System, noted that many elderly individuals carry war legacies or live with chronic diseases. This group faces a high risk of contracting influenza and experiencing complications if not adequately cared for and vaccinated.

Seasonal flu is a respiratory infectious disease that can circulate year-round. In older adults and those with underlying conditions, influenza can cause pneumonia, worsen cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, COPD, or prolong treatment.

Annual flu vaccination helps reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization, complications, and death. Because influenza viruses constantly change, everyone needs a booster shot each year to maintain protective immunity.

Doctor Chinh also advised that older adults may receive additional counseling on vaccines to prevent respiratory illnesses and other common diseases, such as pneumococcal, RSV, pertussis-diphtheria-tetanus, shingles, and dengue fever, depending on their health status.

For many years, VNVC has collaborated with ministries, sectors, localities, and social organizations to implement social welfare programs across the country. Millions of vaccine doses have been donated and administered free of charge to police forces, military personnel, veterans, people with meritorious service, older adults, pregnant women, children, and disadvantaged workers.

"Caring for the health of those who have contributed and sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland is both a responsibility and an honor for VNVC. Each vaccine dose donated is a practical act of gratitude", Doctor Chinh said.

Gia Nghi

Photo: VNVC