Vietnam plans to vaccinate children aged 5 to 11 in 2022

Vietnam will carry out COVID-19 vaccinations for children between the ages of five and 11 next year pending scientific research available, according to the national immunization advisory council.

Vietnam plans to vaccinate children aged 5 to 11 in 2022 (Illustrative image)

Vietnam plans to vaccinate children aged 5 to 11 in 2022 (Illustrative image)

The Ministry of Health has initiated a vaccination plan plan for children in this age group, but the plan must be implemented based on vaccine safety, immunogenicity, and the recommendation of the vaccine manufacturers, said the council.

Amid public disputes over COVID-19 vaccinations for children, Assoc. Prof. & Dr. Tran Minh Dien, director of the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, said test screening is needed to identify contraindications and prevent complications.

 “Children should be vaccinated as part of efforts to reduce severe symptoms in the event that they are infected with the virus, especially in the group of children suffering from underlying diseases, such as cancer, kidney, and liver diseases,” said Dr. Dien. “The vaccine will therefore help children with underlying illnesses reduce their mortality rate as they are in the high-risk group.”

Ho Chi Minh City, the largest coronavirus hotspot in Vietnam, launched its pilot COVID-19 vaccination programme for students aged 16 to 17 on October 27, becoming the first locality nationwide to officially vaccinate children. More than 3,000 students in Cu Chi District and District No.1 were given their first shot.

The city plans to expand the programme to other districts and communes, starting on October 28.

Meanwhile, the national vaccination campaign for children aged 12 to 17 will start in November. The Ministry of Health has approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine (Comirnaty) for the campaign.

Dr. Kidong Park, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Vietnam, said extensive vaccination of children over 12 years old will reduce the burden on the health service and lower the risk of new variants emerging, thus potentially reducing viral transmission.

According to Dr. Park, the WHO has granted Emergency Use Listing (EUL) to Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine COVID-19 vaccine for use in adolescents and children above the age of 12.

VOV

Other News

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

The International Day of Older Persons 2026, themed “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” highlights the need to develop healthcare, social security, labour-market and social-service systems in response to increasing life expectancy. For Vietnam, rapid population ageing is not only a demographic issue but also a development challenge.

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Both sides agreed to keep educating officials, Party members, youth union groups and the broader public, especially young people in both provinces, on the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos.

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

The captain discovered water entering ballast tanks No. 4, 5 and 6 on the port side, causing the vessel to list slightly. Initial assessments indicated that the vessel may have struck an underwater rock formation while underway.

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright is entering an entirely new phase. As AI becomes increasingly capable of generating text, summarising books, mimicking writing styles and producing content at enormous speed, ensuring copyright protection is becoming more difficult.

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Prolonged heavy rains from September 13–17 have caused flooding and landslides, damaging homes, crops, roads and infrastructure in Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa provinces, with local authorities mobilising forces for emergency response.

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh city's Public Security Department warned individuals, agencies and businesses not to publicly disclose or provide personal information or bank account details on social media, and urged organisations and businesses to strictly comply with regulations on protecting customers’ personal data.

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

The continued recovery of martyrs’ remains provides valuable information and further evidence of those who fought and sacrificed their lives for national independence and freedom. It also encourages search teams to persist in locating fallen soldiers still lying on former battlefields, contributing to the effective implementation of the 500-day campaign and reflecting Vietnam’s long-standing tradition of gratitude.

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam will launch nationwide screening for five groups of school-related diseases and health conditions among students from preschool through high school from 2028, including overweight and obesity, refractive errors, spinal curvature, oral diseases and mental health disorders.