Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has rolled out Circular 13/2026/TT-BYT to bolster vaccination strategies nationwide. This regulation broadens the array of diseases included in the mandatory immunization program, reflecting the aim to enhance public health via expanded vaccine access and more effective management systems.

The circular mandates vaccinations for 14 diseases within Vietnam’s Expanded Immunization Program. This list encompasses Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Measles, Rubella, Japanese encephalitis, Rotavirus diarrhea, Pneumococcal disease, and Human papillomavirus. The Ministry retains the right to add more diseases as needed.

Additionally, 11 infectious diseases will now require compulsory vaccination during prevention campaigns, including Diphtheria, Polio, Pertussis, Rubella, Measles, Cholera, Japanese encephalitis, Rabies, Influenza, and COVID-19. The Ministry may consider more diseases based on World Health Organization guidance and future government evaluations.

Health officials noted that the new directives implement stricter management protocols for vaccinations, aiming to enhance accuracy and transparency in the healthcare framework. The vaccination oversight database will compile essential details of vaccinated individuals, including personal information of guardians in the case of minors.

Under this initiative, commune-level health stations will collaborate with local entities to identify and maintain lists of those eligible for compulsory vaccinations. Vaccination centers nationwide will be tasked with issuing individual tracking numbers and ensuring prompt record updates within the National Vaccination Information Management System to avoid duplicates and improve monitoring.

Officials highlighted that those opting for voluntary vaccinations will also be recorded in the digital management system. Immunization facilities must uphold accurate records and ensure that all data is thoroughly uploaded to the national database. Distinct vaccination management protocols will be adopted for individuals related to the Ministries of Public Security and National Defense.

Vietnamese health authorities are confident that these revised vaccination rules will enhance disease prevention efforts, improve healthcare coordination, and support sustainable public health initiatives. The government emphasized the importance of expanding vaccine coverage to protect communities from infectious diseases and maintain public health security moving forward.

This circular will take effect on July 1, 2026, with health agencies across the country gearing up to put the new immunization procedures and management systems into action ahead of the deadline.