Development plan of the Rotavirus vaccine under the Expanded Program on Immunization

The Rotavirus vaccine is being offered free of charge through the national Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI). Parents and caregivers can bring their children to local health centres to get the vaccine.

As per Decision No. 1596/QD-BYT issued by the Ministry of Health on June 10, 2024, the Rotavirus vaccine has been included in the EPI and will be administered free of charge to children in 32 mountainous and disadvantaged provinces starting in 2024. The program will gradually expand nationwide according to Resolution No. 104/NQ-CP dated August 15, 2022: nine additional provinces will be included in 2025, and the remaining provinces will be covered by 2026.

Scope of implementation in 2024:

• Northern Region (14 provinces): Ha Giang, Son La, Dien Bien, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Lai Chau, Bac Giang, Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa, Thai Nguyen, Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Hoa Binh, Tuyen Quang.
• Central Region (eight provinces): Quang Tri, Binh Dinh, Khanh Hoa, Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan.
• Central Highlands (four provinces): Dak Lak, Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Nong.
• Southern Region (six provinces): Soc Trang, Binh Phuoc, Lam Dong, Tra Vinh, Ca Mau, An Giang.

Expansion to cover nine more provinces in 2025 (41 provinces in total):

• Northern Region: Cao Bang, Lang Son, Bac Kan.
• Central Region: Quang Ngai, Phu Yen.
• Southern Region: Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Vinh Long, Ben Tre.

Children who do not receive the Rotavirus vaccine are at increased risk of contracting acute diarrhoea caused by the Rotavirus, which can lead to serious complications. Parents are encouraged to visit the nearest health centre for detailed information about the Rotavirus vaccine and to take proactive steps in safeguarding their children’s health during their critical early years.