Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – In 2023, the will continue to be
allocated for the to
purchase vaccines for the expanded programme on immunisation for all localities
nationwide, according to Resolution No.98 recently issued by the Government.
The Government assigned the ministry to guide localities in
planning and determining their vaccine needs, and organise the purchase in accordance with regulations, ensuring thrift, efficiency, promptness and
safety.
The ese (EPI), launched in 1981, is providing vaccines to 12 preventable
diseases, namely Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio,
Hib, Measles, Rubella, Japanese Encephalitis, Cholera (in high-risk areas), and
Typhoid (in high-risk areas).
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in
Vietnam, it is estimated that the EPI has saved 42,000 lives and prevented more
than 6.7 million childhood diseases like polio, tetanus, diphtheria, measles
and pertussis with high vaccine coverage. Official 2017 data indicated a
coverage of 97% for Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), 97% for measles-containing
vaccine (MCV) first dose, and 93% for MCV second dose.
Dr. Dang Thanh Huyen, deputy head of the EPI Office under
the Ministry of Health, said on July 10 that many new kinds of vaccines will be
included in the programme in the coming time.
According to the roadmap, the vaccine against Rotavirus will
be provided in a number of localities in 2023 and the whole nation in 2024.
Meanwhile, vaccines against pneumococcal disease, cervical
cancer, and seasonal flu will be introduced from 2025, 2026 and 2030, respectively,
said Huyen./.
Source: VietnamPlus
