Post by : Shakul

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has officially issued Circular 13/2026/TT-BYT to strengthen and regulate vaccination activities across the country. The new regulation expands the list of diseases covered under the mandatory national immunization program and aims to improve public health protection through broader vaccine coverage and stronger vaccination management systems.

According to the circular, 14 diseases now require the mandatory use of vaccines and biological products under Vietnam’s Expanded Immunization Program. The list includes Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b infection, Measles, Rubella, Japanese encephalitis, Rotavirus diarrhea, Pneumococcal disease, and Human papillomavirus infection. The Ministry of Health also reserved authority to include additional diseases when necessary.

The ministry further announced that 11 infectious diseases will require compulsory vaccination measures during epidemic prevention campaigns. These diseases include Diphtheria, Polio, Pertussis, Rubella, Measles, Cholera, Japanese encephalitis, Rabies, Influenza, and COVID-19. Officials stated that additional infectious diseases may also be included based on recommendations from the World Health Organization and future government decisions.

Health authorities explained that the new circular introduces stricter vaccination management procedures to improve accuracy and transparency within the national healthcare system. The vaccination management database will include personal information of vaccinated individuals, parents or guardians in the case of children, and other medical details required under disease prevention guidelines.

Under the new policy, commune-level health stations will work together with local agencies and organizations to identify and update lists of people eligible for mandatory vaccination programs. Vaccination facilities across the country will also be responsible for issuing individual vaccination tracking numbers and updating records promptly within the National Vaccination Information Management System to prevent duplicate entries and improve monitoring.

Officials said individuals receiving voluntary vaccinations will also be included in the digital vaccination management system. Facilities providing voluntary immunization services must maintain accurate records and ensure all information is uploaded fully and correctly into the national database. Separate vaccination management procedures will also apply to individuals under the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of National Defense.

Vietnamese health authorities believe the updated vaccination regulations will strengthen disease prevention efforts, improve healthcare coordination, and support long-term public health goals. The government emphasized that expanding vaccine coverage is essential to protecting communities from infectious diseases and maintaining national health security in the coming years.

The new circular will officially take effect on July 1, 2026, and healthcare agencies nationwide are preparing to implement the updated immunization procedures and management systems before the deadline.

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