Prevention beats cure — and in Vietnam, most basic preventive services are free under national programs, though many people never claim them.
Is expanded immunization free?
Yes. The National Expanded Program on Immunization provides free vaccines to prescribed groups: children (TB, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, measles…), pregnant women (tetanus)… per the national schedule. Vaccination happens at commune health stations and authorized facilities under the vaccination rules (Decree 104/2016/ND-CP). Beyond free vaccines, people may buy private vaccination (off-programme vaccines) at service facilities at their own cost.
What do commune health stations do?
Commune/ward health stations are the grassroots tier: primary care, preventive medicine (immunization, epidemic control, non-communicable disease management), routine treatment and referral when beyond capacity. Insured care at commune stations counts as in-network — the cheapest gateway into the health system.
Epidemic prevention: whose duty?
Under the 2007 Law on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, epidemic control is everyone’s duty: health authorities (surveillance, containment), local governments (implementation), and citizens (declaration, compliance). Concealing notifiable infectious diseases is unlawful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child missed the immunization schedule?
Bring the child to the health station for catch-up vaccination scheduled by age. Late is better than never; health workers will set a catch-up plan.
Are private vaccines better than free ones?
Both must meet quality standards; they differ in range (private services offer off-programme vaccines) and service conditions. Effectiveness is equivalent for the same vaccine type.
Do commune health stations accept health insurance?
Yes. They are primary insured-care facilities; patients registered there enjoy in-network benefits.
This article has been quality-reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council
