VNVC provides 10,000 free influenza vaccine doses in tribute to War Invalids, Sick Veterans, and People with Meritorious Services to the Revolution on the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day

During these solemn days of July, as the nation respectfully commemorates and expresses gratitude to martyrs, war invalids, sick veterans, Vietnamese heroic mothers, mothers of martyrs, people with meritorious services to the revolution, and generations who devoted and sacrificed themselves for the independence and freedom of the nation, the VNVC Vaccination System is donating 10,000 influenza vaccine doses to war invalids, sick veterans, people with meritorious services to the revolution, Vietnamese heroic mothers, mothers of martyrs, and veterans aged 65 years and older nationwide.

This is one of the community appreciation initiatives that VNVC has maintained annually in commemoration of War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day, reflecting the Vietnamese tradition of gratitude and remembrance for those who have served the nation while contributing to the care and protection of the health of those who devoted and sacrificed themselves for the country's independence, freedom, and peace.

In the very first days of the program, VNVC Vaccination Centers nationwide had the honor of welcoming numerous veterans, war invalids, sick veterans, people with meritorious services to the revolution, and Agent Orange victims who had served on battlefields across northern, central, and southern Vietnam, as well as on international missions in Cambodia, to receive free influenza vaccination. They also received consultation on the vaccines recommended based on their individual health conditions.

Many veterans shared that war injuries and their lasting sequelae have gradually taken a toll on their health over time, with many now living with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Receiving an influenza vaccine for the first time, many expressed their gratitude for VNVC's meaningful gift and said they had previously not fully recognized the seriousness of influenza for older adults and people living with underlying medical conditions.

Veterans highly appreciated the humanitarian significance of the program and expressed their wish to learn more about and receive other recommended vaccines to proactively protect their health in later life.

Dr. Bach Thi Chinh, Specialist Level I, Medical Director of the VNVC Vaccination System, said that many older adults live with war-related injuries or chronic diseases, placing them at high risk of influenza infection and serious complications if they are not adequately protected through appropriate healthcare and vaccination.

"This year's program to donate 10,000 influenza vaccine doses continues a series of community appreciation initiatives that VNVC has steadfastly carried out over many years. On major national occasions, we regularly organize vaccine donation programs for those who have served the country, including war invalids, sick veterans, people with meritorious services to the revolution, members of the armed forces, healthcare workers, and older adults.

For VNVC, gratitude is expressed not merely through words but through meaningful actions that help protect the health of those who have sacrificed and contributed to the nation, by applying our professional expertise and fulfilling our responsibility as a preventive healthcare provider," Dr. Chinh said.

Seasonal influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that can circulate year-round. Although most people recover without complications, influenza can still cause pneumonia, multi-organ damage, and trigger or worsen underlying conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at particularly high risk of influenza infection, severe complications, prolonged hospitalization, and increased caregiving needs.

Studies show that people with cardiovascular disease who contract influenza are five times more likely to die, while those with chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD, asthma, or tuberculosis face a 12-fold higher risk of death. For individuals with both cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, the risk of death may increase by as much as 20-fold. According to available statistics, approximately 70–85% of seasonal influenza-related deaths and 50–70% of influenza-related hospitalizations occur among adults aged 65 years and older. Influenza also increases the risk of acute cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart failure. In particular, the risk of myocardial infarction during the first week after influenza infection is approximately six times higher than under normal circumstances.

Influenza can also have long-term effects on older adults' mobility and ability to live independently. Following an episode of illness, many require extended rehabilitation and, in some cases, become dependent on family members for assistance with daily activities.

According to Dr. Chinh, annual influenza vaccination is a simple, effective, and cost-efficient measure to reduce the risk of influenza infection, hospitalization, complications, and death. Because influenza viruses are constantly evolving, everyone should receive one booster dose each year to maintain protective immunity. Influenza vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission due to influenza by 82% among adults, while vaccinated individuals have a 31% lower risk of death than those who are unvaccinated.

Dr. Chinh also emphasized that, in addition to influenza vaccination, older adults should receive other important vaccines, particularly those that help strengthen respiratory immunity and protect lung health, including pneumococcal vaccines, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines, pertussis-diphtheria-tetanus vaccines, herpes zoster vaccines, and dengue vaccines, to further enhance disease prevention.

The program is being implemented in coordination with local authorities and organizations, which assist in identifying eligible beneficiaries and arranging reception, pre-vaccination assessment, and vaccination services in a convenient and efficient manner. At the same time, physicians provide personalized consultation on vaccines recommended according to each individual's health condition. Before vaccination, every recipient undergoes a pre-vaccination medical screening, during which physicians assess underlying medical conditions, allergy history, vaccination history, and provide comprehensive counseling on the benefits of vaccination, the recommended vaccination schedule, and post-vaccination monitoring. With 100% of its physicians and nurses certified in vaccination safety, standardized professional procedures, and a 24/7 support hotline, VNVC ensures safe and effective vaccination.

Vaccine quality at VNVC is subject to rigorous control throughout every stage, from importation, storage, and transportation to administration. In addition to its three central vaccine warehouses, all nearly 300 vaccination centers nationwide are equipped with cold storage facilities, cold-chain systems, and vaccine refrigerators that comply with Good Storage Practice (GSP) standards, together with standardized dedicated transportation systems. This ensures that vaccines are stored under the appropriate temperature conditions in every locality, preserving their quality and effectiveness before administration.

Dr. Chinh said that, over many years, VNVC has worked closely with ministries, government agencies, local authorities, and numerous organizations to implement a wide range of social welfare initiatives nationwide. VNVC has donated and administered millions of vaccine doses free of charge to police officers, military personnel, veterans, people with meritorious services to the revolution, older adults, pregnant women, children, economically disadvantaged workers, and many other vulnerable groups.

Following natural disasters and disease outbreaks, VNVC has also donated tetanus and typhoid vaccines, together with a wide range of practical medical support for people in storm- and flood-affected areas. The organization has also carried out numerous charitable initiatives, including building charitable homes, donating books, school supplies, backup generators, livelihood-support cattle, and essential goods to disadvantaged communities.

"For us, older adults have always been one of the priority groups for protection against dangerous infectious diseases, particularly seasonal influenza. Caring for the health of those who devoted and sacrificed themselves for the independence and freedom of our nation is both our responsibility and our privilege. We hope that every vaccine dose we donate will help our veterans, our respected elders, and the mothers who have given so much for our nation enjoy healthier and happier lives, while continuing to serve as pillars of strength for their families and communities," Dr. Chinh said.

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