Diep is a factory worker, and her husband is a security guard. In better months, they set aside funds specifically for their two children, an 11-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy. A few weeks ago, Diep's sister contracted dengue fever and was hospitalized, prompting her to advise the whole family to get vaccinated. However, due to their busy schedules, they postponed it until the holiday.

"I'm taking my children for their vaccinations, and since we are also going out today, I chose the VNVC center that's further away," Diep said.

Diep and her husband take their two children to get vaccinated against dengue fever at VNVC Sunrise City. Photo: Khanh Hoa

Diep and her husband take their two children to get vaccinated against dengue fever at VNVC Sunrise City. Photo: Khanh Hoa

Similarly, Bich Phuong, 33, from Tan Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, and her husband also took advantage of the first day of the holiday to take their three young children to get vaccinated against the flu and pneumococcal disease. Their youngest child, just over two months old, had a scheduled vaccination appointment.

They brought their two older children along to consult with the doctor about appropriate vaccines. After the consultation, Phuong had her 6-year-old daughter vaccinated against pneumococcal disease and her 3-year-old daughter against the flu.

"With the long holiday, we're not traveling far, just staying in the city, and we're free from work, so we have plenty of time to spend with the children," Phuong said.

Luat, 60, from Nha Be District, Ho Chi Minh City, and his wife also went to get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease, typhoid, and cholera as a preventative measure. He explained that after turning 60, both his and his wife's health had declined, so they are now more attentive to preventive measures.

Phuong and her husband take their three children to get vaccinated on the first day of the holiday. Photo: Khanh Hoa

Phuong and her husband take their three children to get vaccinated on the first day of the holiday. Photo: Khanh Hoa

Meanwhile, Cam Hong arrived early in the morning to receive the hepatitis B vaccine. The 39-year-old woman explained that due to work and family commitments, she had missed her booster shot appointment in May. She took advantage of the first day of the National Day holiday to get the shot and boost her waning immunity.

Doctor Pham Van Phu, Medical Manager of the VNVC Vaccination System, stated that disease prevention through vaccination is increasingly prioritized by the public. Clients visiting the more than 230 VNVC vaccination centers range in age, with children and the elderly being the most prominent groups.

It is currently the rainy season in the South, while the North and Central regions are experiencing hot weather interspersed with periods of rain, storms, and floods. These conditions are conducive to the growth of bacteria, viruses, insects, and mold. September is also back-to-school time for students, increasing the risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases like influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, measles, chickenpox, meningococcal disease, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis.

"VNVC currently offers over 50 types of vaccines that help prevent infectious diseases, thereby protecting public health and improving people's quality of life," Dr. Phu said.

Hong gets her hepatitis B vaccine at VNVC after a three-month delay. Photo: Khanh Hoa

Hong gets her hepatitis B vaccine at VNVC after a three-month delay. Photo: Khanh Hoa

Studies show that annual flu vaccinations and boosters can reduce flu-related illnesses by up to 60%, hospitalizations by 90%, and flu-related deaths by approximately 70-80%.

The pneumococcal vaccine has a disease prevention efficacy of up to 97%, reduces the risk of other respiratory viral infections by 49%, prevents over 65% of lung infections in patients with COPD or asthma, and reduces community-acquired pneumonia in COPD patients under 65 by 76%.

A complete course of the measles vaccine provides up to 98% protection. Two doses of the dengue fever vaccine prevent over 80% of infections and re-infections, and reduce the risk of hospitalization by over 90%.

Dr. Phu explained that VNVC adheres to a strict one-way process for consultation, screening, safe vaccination, and post-vaccination monitoring, ensuring accuracy, safety, and a comfortable, convenient experience for everyone. VNVC centers are open throughout the holiday, including lunch hours, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., allowing people to complete their vaccinations on schedule.

Hoang Duong