Pneumococcal and HPV vaccines are included in the list of mandatory vaccinations.

According to Circular 13/2026 recently issued by the Ministry of Health , pneumococcal and HPV vaccines are two of the four new vaccines added to the national immunization program for the period 2024-2030.

Previously, the rotavirus vaccine has been undergoing small-scale trials since late 2024 and will expand in 2026; the influenza vaccine is expected to be available from 2030.

Thus, from 2026, the number of infectious diseases with free vaccines will increase to 13, including: hepatitis B, tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, Hib disease, measles, rubella, Japanese encephalitis B, rotavirus diarrhea, pneumococcal diseases, and cervical cancer.

Pneumococcal bacteria are the leading cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis in young children, which can lead to death or severe neurological sequelae. HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer and many genital diseases in both men and women.

The pneumococcal vaccine helps reduce the risk of severe illness and limits antibiotic resistance. With the HPV vaccine, vaccination at ages 9-14 provides over 90% protection against precancerous lesions.

Pneumococcal and HPV vaccines are included in the list of mandatory vaccinations.

Vaccinating children in Hanoi . Photo: Pham Chieu

The health sector plans to roll out small-scale pneumococcal vaccination from the first quarter of 2026 in several localities such as Bac Kan, Lang Son, Quang Nam, Dak Nong, Soc Trang, Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, Cao Bang, Son La, and Quang Ngai.

The HPV vaccine will be piloted starting in the third quarter of 2026 in disadvantaged areas. The first four provinces to provide free vaccinations for 11-year-old girls are Tuyen Quang, Quang Ngai, Dak Lak, and Vinh Long. It is expected that approximately 18,000 children will benefit from this policy each year during the 2026-2028 period.

Currently, the HPV vaccine costs around 3-6 million VND for three doses; the pneumococcal vaccine costs about 1.2 million VND per dose. Introducing these two vaccines as free of charge is expected to help children, especially in disadvantaged areas, have more equitable access to preventive healthcare services.

The National Expanded Immunization Program has been implemented since 1985. After nearly 40 years, Vietnam eradicated polio in 2000, eliminated neonatal tetanus in 2005, and maintains a full immunization rate for children under one year old at over 90%.

According to vnexpress.net

Source: https://baophutho.vn/vaccine-phe-cau-va-hpv-vao-danh-muc-tiem-chung-bat-buoc-254482.htm