UNICEF Delivers 185,000 Doses of 5-in-1 Vaccine to Vietnam

In an effort to safeguard the lives of children in Vietnam, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have delivered a shipment of lifesaving pentavalent vaccine to the country.

0
597

A batch of the 5-in-1 vaccine, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), arrived in Hanoi on July 27, as reported by VNA.

The batch consists of 185,700 doses of the DTP-VGB-Hib vaccine, urgently provided to the Ministry of Health in Vietnam to address a reduction in immunization rates and a shortage of the 5-in-1 vaccine.

Over UNICEF's 185,000 Doses of 5-in-1 Vaccine Arrived in Vietnam
The vaccines have been urgently provided to address low vaccination rates and a shortage of the five-in-one vaccine in Vietnam. Source: UNICEF Vietnam

The 5-in-1 vaccine helps protect children against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib). It needs to be purchased from approved international suppliers.

Routine immunization services in Vietnam, like in other countries around the world, have been disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, approximately 114,000 children under one year old in Vietnam have missed vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis in 2022. These vaccinations are used as indicators of global immunization coverage.

Additionally, due to the recent shortage of the 5-in-1 vaccine, an estimated 300,000 Vietnamese children born at the beginning of 2023 have yet to receive this vital vaccine.

UNICEF Representative in Vietnam, Rana Flowers, stated that UNICEF and WHO are proud to support efforts to urgently address missed immunizations throughout Vietnam. They are also aiding in the restoration of immunization services to pre-pandemic levels.

WHO Representative in Vietnam, Angela Pratt, affirmed that WHO will continue to collaborate with UNICEF and other partners to support the Vietnamese Government in ensuring that all children in every corner of the country receive complete and timely immunizations.

Pratt added, “We need to do everything we can to make sure every child who has missed out on a vaccine since the start of the pandemic is caught up. This will require both ongoing, targeted catch-up campaigns as well as efforts to strengthen the system overall. WHO will continue to work with UNICEF and other partners to support the Government of Vietnam to ensure that every child in every corner of the country receives all of their routine immunizations, now and in the future.”

Hannah Nguyen
You may also like

Painting contest held for buffaloes joining ploughing festival in Ha Nam

A buffalo painting contest for the Doi Son Tich Dien (ploughing) Festivalwas held on February 10, or the sixth day of the Lunar New Year in Doi Son commune, Duy Tien district, the northern province of Ha Nam.

Pho Hien folk cultural festival kicks off in Hung Yen

The Pho Hien Folk Cultural Festival opened in the northern province of Hung Yen on April 21.

Sam Son sea festival slated for April 21

The 2018 sea festival of Sam Son city of the north central coastal province of Thanh Hoa will take place on April 21, heard a press conference held in the city on April 12.

Ha Long Carnival opens in Quang Ninh

The Ha Long Carnival, a highlight of the Ha Long – Quang Ninh tourism week 2019, opened in Bai Chay and Hon Gai tourism area in the northern province of Quang Ninh on April 28.

Tam Chuc Pagoda – Ancient beauty amidst majestic scenery

Covering 5,100 ha, Tam Chuc complex is a perfect combination of ancient beauty and the mighty of the immense mountain.