Lawrence is studying Vietnamese at a university in Ho Chi Minh City. He enjoys traveling and often researches vaccines before each trip. For him, vaccination is a part of health protection when living away from home.

In mid-June, Lawrence visited VNVC Hai Ba Trung Vaccination Center in Ho Chi Minh City to continue his 9-strain HPV vaccine regimen. He had previously received a 4-strain HPV vaccine 7 years ago in Indonesia. Upon arriving in Vietnam, he researched and learned about a vaccine protecting against more HPV strains, so he registered for it.

"I know HPV is often associated with cervical cancer in women," Lawrence said. "However, men can also contract HPV-related diseases such as genital warts and various cancers, so I want to proactively protect my health."

In addition to HPV, he also received vaccines for Japanese encephalitis, measles-mumps-rubella, pneumococcal disease, rabies, and dengue. He chose some doses due to his frequent travels, including pre-exposure rabies vaccination. On one occasion, he received four shots in one session.

Lawrence also noted that vaccination costs in Vietnam are lower than in some other countries in the region. The price for three doses of the 9-strain HPV vaccine in Singapore is approximately 700 SGD, equivalent to over 14 million dong, while in Vietnam it is lower.

Lawrence receives his second dose of HPV vaccine at VNVC Hai Ba Trung Vaccination Center, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Khanh Hoa

Mila Muller, 28, a German international student majoring in Vietnamese studies in Hanoi, also researched vaccines after arriving in Vietnam. Japanese encephalitis is rare in Germany, so she previously paid little attention to this disease.

During her studies, Mila often visits suburban and rural areas for practical experience. Knowing that Japanese encephalitis is prevalent in many Asian countries, including Vietnam, she went to VNVC Icon4 Cau Giay to get vaccinated.

"I want to enjoy my study abroad experience in Vietnam without worrying about preventable diseases," Mila said.

Doctor Dinh Ky Nam, from VNVC Hai Ba Trung Vaccination Center, stated that Lawrence and Mila are among many international students and foreigners studying and living in Vietnam who proactively seek vaccinations.

International students at an event of Hanoi University. Photo: Provided by the university

According to Doctor Nam, the vaccination needs of this group vary depending on their home country, vaccination history, length of stay, and travel plans. International students from Western countries often inquire about vaccines for rabies, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, or other diseases prevalent at their destination.

Meanwhile, some Asian international students are interested in the HPV vaccine due to differences in age and gender indications or vaccine accessibility in their respective countries. Many have conducted research before enrollment and make sure to complete their vaccination schedules after arriving in Vietnam.

Lawrence's vaccination schedule over 5 months. Photo: Khanh Hoa

Vietnam's tropical humid climate is favorable for various pathogens, leading to respiratory and digestive illnesses, as well as diseases transmitted by mosquitoes or the bites and scratches of warm-blooded mammals. Foreigners studying or working long-term in Vietnam should review their vaccination history and exposure risks for appropriate consultation.

Doctor Nam noted that vaccine selection should be based on age, health status, vaccination history, destination, duration of stay, and planned activities. This recommendation also applies to Vietnamese preparing to travel, work, or labor abroad.

Hoang Duong