HPV vaccine to be added to Vietnam’s mandatory immunization program from July 1

As per the new circular, 14 disease groups require compulsory vaccines and biological products.

These include hepatitis B, tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b, measles, rubella, Japanese encephalitis, rotavirus-related diarrhea, pneumococcal diseases, diseases caused by the HPV, and other illnesses designated by the Minister of Health.

Compared with the current immunization program, the updated list newly incorporates the HPV, the sexually transmitted virus that causes most cases of cervical cancer, and additional diseases decided by the minister.

Also, the circular sets out a separate list of 11 disease groups requiring mandatory vaccination during epidemic prevention campaigns.

These include diphtheria, polio, pertussis, rubella, measles, cholera, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, influenza, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases recommended by the World Health Organization and approved by the Minister of Health.

The move follows the government’s Resolution 104 issued in 2022, which outlined a roadmap for expanding the national expanded immunization program between 2021 and 2030.

Under the plan, rotavirus vaccines were introduced in 2022, pneumococcal vaccines in 2025, HPV vaccines in 2026, and seasonal influenza vaccines are expected to be added by 2030.

The HPV vaccine is expected to be provided free of charge to 11-year-old girls.

Detailed guidance regarding eligible age groups, gender, dosage schedules, and implementation scope will be announced later.

Health experts have repeatedly warned that the HPV is among the world’s most common sexually transmitted infections.

While there are many strains of the virus, high-risk types such as HPV-16 and HPV-18 are known to cause cervical cancer.

The circular also includes provisions aimed at ensuring vaccination safety and improving immunization management nationwide.

According to the regulation, vaccination records must include personal information of vaccine recipients as well as details of parents, guardians, or legal representatives in cases involving children or individuals with limited legal capacity.

Additional information may also be collected in accordance with professional guidelines issued by the Vietnam Administration of Disease Prevention.

Healthcare centers in communes will coordinate with local authorities and organizations to identify, compile, and regularly update lists of individuals subject to mandatory immunization, while notifying eligible residents to participate in vaccination programs.

Vaccination facilities are required to issue and maintain personal immunization tracking numbers, compile vaccination statistics, and promptly upload accurate data to the national immunization information management system to avoid duplication of records.

For voluntary vaccination recipients, healthcare providers must follow the same procedures for record management and data updates.

Meanwhile, individuals under the management of the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defense will be administered and monitored according to healthcare regulations issued by the respective ministries.