Vietnam Adds Pneumococcal, HPV Vaccines to National Program

Why this is here: HPV vaccines currently cost between 3 to 6 million Vietnamese Dong for a full three-dose series, making the national program a significant step toward equitable healthcare access.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health recently added pneumococcal and HPV vaccines to the national immunization program for 2024 to 2030. The decision includes pneumococcal and HPV alongside rotavirus and influenza vaccines. Starting in 2026, thirteen infectious diseases will have free vaccines available, including hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and polio.

Pneumococcal bacteria commonly cause pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis in young children. HPV is a primary cause of cervical cancer and other genital diseases in both men and women. Pneumococcal vaccination reduces severe illness and antibiotic resistance, while HPV vaccination protects against precancerous lesions with over 90% efficacy in ages 9 to 14.

Initial pneumococcal vaccinations will begin in the first quarter of 2026. They will be rolled out in nine provinces including Bac Kan, Lang Son, and Quang Nam.

HPV vaccinations will pilot in difficult regions, starting with Tuyen Quang, Quang Ngai, Dak Lak, and Vinh Long offering free doses to eleven-year-old girls. Roughly 18,000 children annually will benefit from this policy between 2026 and 2028. Further expansion and data collection are needed to assess long-term impact.