Expanded immunization program faces vaccine shortage; WHO and UNICEF provide emergency support.

SGGPO June 14, 2023 10:39 PM

The Minister of Health stated that, to address the shortage of vaccines for the expanded immunization program, the Ministry of Health has been working with partners. To date, WHO and UNICEF have agreed to find sources of vaccines for Vietnam.

On the afternoon of June 14th, in an exchange with the press regarding the vaccine shortage in the expanded immunization program and the increased risk of disease outbreaks, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan stated that, for the 9 types of domestically produced vaccines in the expanded immunization program, the DPT vaccine against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (booster dose for children aged 18-24 months) is currently out of stock. However, the shortage occurs before children reach the required booster dose, as vaccinations were already administered in March. Therefore, as soon as the bidding and procurement process for the vaccines is implemented, we will still have enough DPT vaccine to vaccinate children up to 24 months old. Manufacturers of the DPT vaccine also affirmed their readiness to supply this vaccine to the expanded immunization program as soon as a decision is made on the bidding and procurement process.

For other vaccines included in the basic expanded immunization program, there is no shortage, and commune/ward health stations are still administering them to children as usual.

The Minister of Health also stated that, among the vaccines in the expanded immunization program, the only one currently in short supply for several months is the imported "5-in-1" vaccine (diphtheria - pertussis - tetanus - hepatitis B - Hib meningitis).

Expanded immunization program faces vaccine shortage; WHO and UNICEF provide emergency support (image 1)

Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan provided information on solutions to address the vaccine shortage.

According to Minister Dao Hong Lan, the shortage of vaccines in the expanded immunization program in recent times is due to the lack of state budget allocation to the Ministry of Health for procurement, bidding, and price negotiations for vaccines.

However, the Minister of Health also stated that, to address the shortage of vaccines for the expanded immunization program, the Ministry of Health has been working with partners. To date, WHO and UNICEF have agreed to find sources of vaccines for Vietnam.

Accordingly, these organizations will provide over 200,000 doses of the "5-in-1" vaccine as emergency support, plus more than 65,000 doses from domestic funding sources, ensuring priority vaccination for children in the eligible age group. With this supported vaccine supply, the Ministry of Health will prioritize allocation to children in remote areas and disadvantaged regions where access to public vaccination services is limited. Currently, the ministry's units are processing the necessary procedures to receive this support.

Expanded immunization program faces vaccine shortage; WHO and UNICEF provide emergency support (image 2)

The expanded immunization program's vaccine shortage increases the risk of disease outbreaks in children.

The Minister of Health also stated that the ministry has worked with and agreed to report to the National Assembly Standing Committee's supervisory delegation on the continued allocation of central government budget to enable the Ministry of Health to effectively and uniformly implement the expanded immunization program nationwide. Therefore, the implementation of the expanded immunization program this year and in subsequent years will no longer face obstacles.

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