The Ministry of Health's recently issued Circular 13/2026 introduces pneumococcal and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines as two of four new additions to the national immunization program for the 2024-2030 period. Rotavirus vaccine, previously piloted in late 2024, will expand in 2026, while the influenza vaccine is slated for implementation from 2030.
This expansion means that from 2026, the number of infectious diseases covered by free vaccines will rise to 13. These include: hepatitis B, tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, Hib disease, measles, rubella, Japanese encephalitis B, rotavirus diarrhea, pneumococcal diseases, and cervical cancer.
Pneumococcal bacteria are a leading cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis in young children, potentially resulting in death or severe neurological complications. Human papillomavirus (HPV), on the other hand, is the primary cause of cervical cancer and various genital diseases in both men and women.
The Ministry of Health states that the pneumococcal vaccine effectively reduces the risk of severe disease and helps combat antibiotic resistance. For HPV, vaccination administered between the ages of 9 and 14 offers over 90% protective efficacy against pre-cancerous lesions.
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Children receiving vaccines in Hanoi. *Photo: Pham Chieu.*
The health sector plans to roll out small-scale pneumococcal vaccination starting Q1/2026 in several provinces: Bac Kan, Lang Son, Quang Nam, Dak Nong, Soc Trang, Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, Cao Bang, Son La, and Quang Ngai.
The HPV vaccine will be piloted from Q3/2026 in disadvantaged regions. Tuyen Quang, Quang Ngai, Dak Lak, and Vinh Long will be the first four provinces to offer free vaccinations to 11-year-old girls. During the 2026-2028 period, around 18,000 children are projected to receive this vaccination annually.
Currently, a full three-dose course of the HPV vaccine costs approximately 3-6 million VND, while each dose of the pneumococcal vaccine is around 1,2 million VND. Integrating these two vaccines into the free program is expected to ensure more equitable access to preventive healthcare services for children, particularly those in disadvantaged regions.
The National Expanded Immunization Program, launched in 1985, has achieved significant milestones. After nearly 40 years, Vietnam eradicated polio in 2000, eliminated neonatal tetanus in 2005, and consistently maintains a full immunization rate of over 90% for children under one year old.
Le Nga
