'Expensive' vaccines are provided free of charge to children nationwide

From 2026, provide free rotavirus vaccine for children nationwide

On August 7, a team of experts from the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE, Ministry of Health ) supervised the implementation of the rotavirus vaccine in the Expanded Immunization Program at Tan Thinh Health Station, Van Phu Ward, Lao Cai Province. This is an activity within the framework of monitoring and supporting the implementation of this vaccine in Lao Cai from August 7 to 9, 2025.

Vắc xin rota miễn phí cho trẻ nhỏ: Cải thiện sức khỏe cộng đồng - Ảnh 1. — No adverse reactions were recorded in children who received free rotavirus vaccine in the Expanded Immunization Program.

According to Dr. Tran Xuan Hung, Deputy Director of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) of Lao Cai province, in the locality, more than 11,800 children of the age group have received the rotavirus vaccine for free. At Tan Thinh Medical Station, 40 children of the age group have received the rotavirus vaccine. Through monitoring post-vaccination reactions, local health authorities have not recorded any cases of adverse reactions after receiving this vaccine.

The NIHE delegation assessed that the deployment of vaccines in the expanded immunization program in Lao Cai was fully prepared in terms of expertise and vaccination safety regulations. The specialized anti-freeze vaccine storage cabinet is equipped with a thermometer for 24/7 monitoring, ensuring stable vaccine quality.

At the vaccination session, according to information from some families with young children, the rotavirus vaccine service costs about 480,000 - more than 700,000 VND/dose, depending on the country of manufacture.

The expanded immunization program provides free oral administration of this vaccine to help children prevent diarrhea caused by rotavirus, while reducing out-of-pocket expenses for families, which is especially necessary for families with limited incomes.

According to the Ministry of Health, the rotavirus vaccine to prevent diarrhea caused by rotavirus will be deployed for the first time free of charge in the Expanded Immunization Program in Vietnam from December 2024.

Rotavirus vaccine is used for children from 2 to under 6 months old. Currently, this vaccine has been deployed in 27/34 provinces and cities with more than 570,000 doses used.

By 2026, rotavirus vaccine will be deployed free of charge in the expanded immunization program for children of all ages nationwide. Vaccine sources will be paid for by the state budget.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vac-xin-dat-tien-duoc-cap-mien-phi-cho-tre-nho-tren-ca-nuoc-185250807182232725.htm