Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases
26 diseases with vaccines available in Vietnam: transmission, symptoms, complications and preventive vaccines.
In the Expanded Programme on Immunization
13 diseases
Tuberculosis
One of the most dangerous infectious diseases; prevented from birth with BCG vaccine.
Hepatitis B
Vietnam has a high prevalence of hepatitis B; the birth dose given within 24 hours is the golden shield.
Diphtheria
A highly virulent disease; vaccination is mandatory under Circular 52/2025/TT-BYT.
Pertussis (whooping cough)
Vaccinating mothers in the last 3 months of pregnancy passes on antibodies that protect babies in their first months of life.
Invasive Hib disease
A leading bacterial cause of purulent meningitis and pneumonia in young children.
Polio
Vietnam eliminated polio in 2000 and keeps this achievement with oral bOPV and injected IPV.
Rotavirus gastroenteritis
The leading cause of diarrhoea requiring hospital care in children; prevented by an oral vaccine given from 6 weeks of age.
Pneumococcal disease (IPD)
Pneumococcal vaccine is being added to the Expanded Programme on Immunization under Resolution 104; there are several types: PCV10, PCV13,…
Measles
Coverage of ≥ 95% is needed for herd immunity.
Japanese encephalitis
Vaccination is mandatory for outbreak prevention. There is a live vaccine (IMOJEV) and inactivated vaccines.
Rubella (German measles)
Get the MMR/MRVAC vaccine at least 1–3 months before pregnancy.
HPV-related cancers and diseases
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a DNA virus of the family Papillomaviridae with more than 200 types, over 40 of which are sexually…
Tetanus
Pregnant women need the full schedule, and adults need a booster every 10 years.
Prevented by private-market vaccines
13 diseases
Meningococcal meningitis
Neisseria meningitidis is a coffee-bean-shaped Gram-negative diplococcus. There are 13 serogroups, of which 6 (A, B, C, W-135, X and Y)…
Seasonal influenza
A booster is needed every year because influenza strains keep changing.
Dengue fever
Dengue virus belongs to the genus Flavivirus and has 4 serotypes: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. Infection with one serotype gives…
Mumps
Effectively prevented by the 3-in-1 MMR combination vaccine.
Chickenpox (varicella)
Highly effective live vaccines: Varilrix, Varivax, Barycela.
Shingles (herpes zoster)
The recombinant vaccine Shingrix (GSK) gives more than 90% protection in older adults.
Hepatitis A
Can be prevented with Avaxim, Havax or the combined Twinrix (A+B) vaccine.
Rabies
Vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin must be given immediately after exposure.
Cholera
Oral mORCVAX vaccine: 2 doses 14 days apart.
Typhoid fever
There is an injectable vaccine (Typhim Vi) and an oral vaccine (Vivotif).
Yellow fever
A single dose of Stamaril gives lifelong protection that is valid under the International Health Regulations (IHR).
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease
RSV vaccines (Abrysvo/Arexvy) and the preventive monoclonal antibody Beyfortus (nirsevimab) are now available.
COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccines in Vietnam are no longer authorised under the emergency use mechanism.