VNVC Launches Vietnam’s First-Ever ‘Lifetime Immunization’ Book

To raise awareness of lifelong immunization and increase vaccination coverage rates for all vaccines, especially seasonal influenza vaccines, VNVC Immunization Center System has officially launched its "A Year of Actions for Vaccine-Protected Communities" initiative and released the "Lifetime Immunization" book. This is the first publication in Vietnam to provide comprehensive and engaging information about vaccines and immunization throughout a person's life. The "Lifetime Immunization" book has already been reprinted multiple times and is also available in English.

On March 6, 2023, at VNVC Hoang Van Thu Vaccination Center in Ho Chi Minh City, VNVC Immunization Center System officially launched "A Year of Actions for Vaccine-Protected Communities", encompassing a series of large-scale, community-focused initiatives nationwide, running through the end of 2023. The aim is to improve vaccination awareness and knowledge among children and adults in Vietnam. A highlight of the launch was the unveiling of the "Lifetime Immunization" book, a valuable and unprecedented publication in Vietnam.

VNVC's "A Year of Actions for Vaccine-Protected Communities" is dedicated to raising community vaccination rates

According to VNVC, the activities planned for "A Year of Actions for Vaccine-Protected Communities" aim to improve immunization awareness and knowledge among children and adults in Vietnam. VNVC's initiatives are designed to be large-scale yet accessible and relatable, fostering strong community engagement. These include cycling events, marathons, writing and photography contests, charitable activities, and fundraising efforts. The program also seeks support and aims for widespread dissemination through community involvement, media outreach, and social media campaigns.

Each activity will convey a positive message, encouraging community members to proactively learn about and receive vaccinations, and to take their loved ones for immunization to prevent disease and curb its spread. Particular emphasis will be placed on vulnerable groups: children under 5 with developing immune systems; school-aged children who often miss scheduled vaccinations; women planning pregnancy, protecting both mother and child; working-age adults bearing the economic burden of their families; and the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions, who are highly susceptible to infection, severe complications, and death from infectious diseases.

As part of this initiative, VNVC Immunization Center System has entered into a strategic partnership with Tam Anh General Hospital system, donating 10,000 doses of influenza vaccine for free vaccination. Furthermore, special discounts on influenza vaccines will be offered to patients and their relatives seeking medical care at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City throughout March 2023.

This is a key VNVC initiative aimed at increasing influenza vaccination access for the population, especially high-risk groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with underlying conditions (diabetes, kidney failure, hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, hepatitis, asthma, musculoskeletal disorders, etc.) The goal is to contribute to a community-wide effort to raise influenza vaccination rates from 4% to 10% by the end of 2025.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Assoc. Prof., Doctor Tran Quang Binh, Medical Director of Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, and representative of the Tam Anh General Hospital System, stated, "We highly value the efforts of VNVC Immunization Center System and vaccine manufacturers in providing patients and the public with access to high-quality vaccines free of charges and with special discounts. This collaboration is particularly significant for the city's residents in general and for patients receiving medical care at our hospitals in particular, especially pregnant women and patients with cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, diabetic, and respiratory conditions. These individuals are at high risk of serious complications from influenza, particularly given the complex developments of the influenza outbreaks following COVID-19".

According to Ms. Vu Thi Thu Ha, the first vaccine VNVC aims to increase community coverage for is the influenza vaccine. In Vietnam, overall vaccination coverage is approximately 4.3% of the total population (2022), with influenza vaccine coverage at 4% - significantly lower than in other regional and global countries. Therefore, VNVC has set a goal to increase overall vaccination coverage, particularly for influenza vaccines, from 4% to 10% by the end of 2025.

To achieve its goals for the "Year of Actions for Vaccine-Protected Communities", VNVC will strengthen community outreach through reputable and rapid communication channels. In addition, VNVC will continue expanding its network of immunization centers nationwide to improve accessibility; continue subsidizing and offering discounts on various important vaccines, applying exceptionally low prices for influenza vaccines along with numerous promotional programs. This aims to encourage, support, and alleviate financial burdens for the community, healthcare workers, disadvantaged individuals, policy beneficiaries, elderly individuals living alone, orphanages, and nursing homes. "We anticipate donating hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses free of charge to the community", shared Ms. Vu Thi Thu Ha.

The launch of the book “Lifelong Immunization” marks the beginning of VNVC's Year of Actions.

The launch of the book "Lifelong Immunization" is the inaugural event in a series of meaningful activities VNVC will undertake for its "Year of Actions for Vaccine-Protected Communities". "Lifelong Immunization" is a special publication jointly produced by VNVC Immunization Center System and the Vietnam Preventive Medicine Association. Authored by experts from the Vietnam Preventive Medicine Association, it is edited by Professor, Doctor Nguyễn Trần Hiển, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Preventive Medicine Association and former President of the Association. Additionally, it is co-authored by doctors and healthcare professionals from the VNVC Immunization Center System.

"Lifelong Immunization" is the first publication in Vietnam to provide comprehensive information on vaccines and immunization for both children and adults. It also serves as a valuable reference for healthcare professionals in the field of vaccines and immunization. Authored by leading experts in preventive medicine, infectious diseases, and vaccination, the book boasts a thorough and well-designed presentation, and is expected to reach a wide readership.

Vaccines protect millions of children and adults from illness and disability. At every stage of life, from birth to adulthood and old age, immunization is crucial for a healthy community. However, access to accurate and scientific vaccination information remains a challenge for many, particularly in communities with low immunization rates, such as remote mountainous areas and ethnic minority groups.

VNVC Immunization Center System, with its hundreds of centers nationwide, will distribute the book to communities across the country, especially in remote areas with limited access to scientific information on vaccination. This initiative will counter the spread of misinformation, raise public awareness of proactive healthcare, and reduce the burden on already strained local healthcare systems.

As part of its "Year of Actions for Vaccine-Protected Communities", VNVC is committed to improving immunization knowledge and awareness among children and adults in Vietnam. VNVC pledges to provide accessible, high-quality, safe, and effective vaccines at reasonable costs, thereby increasing vaccination rates and protecting the health of individuals and the community as a whole.