All children old enough to be vaccinated will be protected against five diseases (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B and meningitis).

According to Nguyen Tran Hien, the head of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE), this vaccination programme will be funded by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI).

The programme will last for five years, starting from June 2010. In the first two years, the GAVI will grant US$37 million to help Vietnam purchase vaccines, needles and syringes.

Each year, Vietnam has 1.5 million new-born babies, therefore, about 1.5 million children need vaccinating annually.

The “five-in-one” vaccine has not been available in Vietnam before and it is quality tested by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Source: VOV