The new generation RSV vaccine for pneumonia is now available at VNVC vaccination centers nationwide.

(Chinhphu.vn) - On December 14th, adults and people with underlying health conditions in Vietnam began receiving the RSV vaccine against pneumonia and bronchiolitis, manufactured by GSK Pharmaceuticals (UK) using modern technology, and administered at more than 250 VNVC vaccination centers nationwide.

Associate Professor Tran Dac Phu receives an RSV vaccine at VNVC Truong Chinh, Hanoi . Photo: VGP/Tuan Anh

This event marks the realization of a strategic healthcare cooperation relationship between Vietnam and the United Kingdom, just two months after VNVC and GSK signed an agreement to elevate their strategic partnership in London, witnessed by General Secretary To Lam and the UK Government's Trade Envoy Matt Western in October 2025.

Dr. Bach Thi Chinh, Medical Director of VNVC Vaccination System, said that GSK's RSV vaccine was specifically developed for the elderly based on recombinant protein combined with an advanced adjuvant system, helping to identify the virus earlier and more accurately, increasing effectiveness in the group with weakened immune systems due to aging and multiple underlying diseases.

The RSV vaccine has a single-dose schedule for people 60 years of age and older. According to data from a large-scale clinical study of over 25,000 people, the RSV vaccine helps prevent lower respiratory tract infections by 82% in people 60 years of age and older and nearly 95% in people with at least one underlying condition.

Currently, the vaccine has been approved in nearly 70 countries with more than 10 million doses used worldwide and is recommended by many medical organizations around the world for people aged 60 and over or those at high risk.

Regarding severe RSV cases, Associate Professor Tran Dac Phu, former Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine (Ministry of Health), stated that in adults, especially those with underlying conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney failure, RSV infections often progress severely, requiring hospitalization and carrying a high risk of death. According to him, proactively vaccinating against RSV is crucial in reducing the risk of severe pneumonia, limiting hospitalizations, and easing the burden on the healthcare system.

Many elderly people and those with underlying health conditions came to VNVC to get the GSK RSV vaccine on its first day of launch. Photo: VGP/Nhan Le

RSV is especially dangerous for the elderly.

Ms. Tran Thi Hoa (72 years old, Giang Vo Ward, Hanoi) said that at the end of the year, the cold weather combined with increased pollution and dust caused her to frequently suffer from respiratory illnesses, coughs, and fevers. Recognizing that diseases like RSV easily flare up in cold, polluted weather, and are especially dangerous for the elderly with weakened immune systems, she proactively got vaccinated early.

"I had a stroke more than 10 years ago and currently suffer from hypertension and diabetes. Getting vaccinated gives me more peace of mind about my health, because if I wait until I get sick to seek treatment, it will not only be more expensive but also carry more risks," Ms. Hoa shared.

RSV is one of the most common causes of pneumonia, bronchiolitis, respiratory failure, and hospitalization across all age groups, but especially in children and the elderly.

For the elderly, RSV is particularly dangerous as it can rapidly attack the respiratory system, triggering exacerbations and complications, and causing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic kidney disease, cancer, or immunodeficiency to become more difficult to manage.

Besides causing respiratory complications, RSV infection also increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction, leading to a higher mortality rate.

Professor, Doctor Ngo Quy Chau, President of the Vietnam Respiratory Society, Deputy General Director of Professional Affairs, Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi - a unit within the VNVC ecosystem - which has also begun administering the RSV vaccine, noted that RSV is a major cause of disease burden in the elderly, but there is currently no specific treatment.

Numerous studies have shown that the burden of hospitalization and mortality due to RSV is higher in the elderly than in seasonal influenza. However, because RSV is not adequately monitored epidemiologically, especially when the elderly or those with underlying conditions are hospitalized due to respiratory symptoms or other causes, most healthcare facilities do not routinely test for RSV. As a result, many cases occur where doctors and patients are caught off guard by the virus, causing complications very quickly, progressing from a mild condition upon admission to a severe and fatal illness within just a few days.

"Proactive prevention of RSV disease through vaccination is especially important in protecting the health of the elderly, particularly those with underlying conditions or chronic diseases, as it can minimize the risk of unpredictable complications when infected with this dangerous virus," Professor Chau shared.

HM

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/vaccine-rsv-the-he-new-phong-viem-phoi-trien-khai-tai-he-thong-tiem-chung-vnvc-toan-quoc-102251214215611225.htm