This initiative aims to raise public awareness, particularly among parents, about the importance of the rotavirus vaccine in preventing acute viral diarrhea.
Rotavirus infection is a serious gastrointestinal disease that spreads easily, causes outbreaks, and can be fatal in children. In Vietnam, between 2016 and 2023, rotavirus was responsible for 20% to over 50% of acute diarrhea cases in young children.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of children are hospitalised, and thousands require emergency care due to rotavirus, placing a heavy burden on the healthcare system, families, and children’s early development—especially in remote areas with limited vaccine access.
The rotavirus vaccine has been proven highly effective, preventing 85%-98% of severe diarrhea cases and 74%-87% of all rotavirus-related diarrhea in the first year after vaccination.
Used safely in over 120 countries, the vaccine significantly reduces child hospitalisations and deaths. Vietnam now produces the vaccine domestically to ensure a stable supply for the Expanded Immunisation Programme (EPI).
Under Decision No. 1596/QĐ-BYT (June 10, 2024), the rotavirus vaccine is included in the EPI. From 2024, it is provided free of charge in 32 mountainous and disadvantaged provinces, with plans to expand nationwide by 2026.
The campaign urges parents to ensure their children receive two doses of the vaccine before six months of age. Its messages will be spread via television, radio, newspapers, social media, and in ethnic minority languages and sign language.
UNICEF, the Ministry of Health, medical experts, and influencers will help amplify the campaign, especially in remote communities.
