Expanding subjects in the expanded immunization program
Speaking to the press on November 7, Master Phi Van Kien, Head of the National Immunization Management Department, Department of Disease Prevention, Ministry of Health, said that a new point in this draft is to add regulations and policies related to expanding the scope and subjects in the National Expanded Immunization Program (free vaccination).
According to current regulations, the Law on Infectious Disease Prevention (2007) stipulates the National Expanded Immunization Program for free vaccination for 2 groups of subjects, pregnant women and children under 6 years old.
Implementing Resolution 72-NQ/TW of the Politburo on a number of breakthrough solutions, enhancing protection, care and improving people's health, in the draft Law on Disease Prevention, the drafting agency has expanded the subjects in the National Expanded Immunization Program for the elderly, subjects participating in epidemic prevention work, priority policy subjects...
"Expand these subjects in the National Expanded Immunization Program will aim at lifelong vaccination for Vietnamese people," Mr. Phi Van Kien emphasized.
According to the representative of the Department of Prevention - Ministry of Health, the Draft Law on Prevention consists of 6 chapters and 41 articles, designed based on 5 major groups of policies approved by the Government, including: Prevention and control of infectious diseases; prevention and control of non-communicable diseases; prevention and control of mental health disorders; nutrition in disease prevention and conditions to ensure disease prevention.
Another new point in this draft is related to mandatory vaccination. Specifically, the draft proposes to add the form of single-dose vaccination and campaign vaccination to the National Expanded Immunization Program. These two forms are compulsory vaccination, which will be guaranteed by the state budget, in addition to the current regular vaccination form.
Mental health is included in the Law on Disease Prevention for the first time
A representative of the Department of Prevention said: For the first time, the draft Law on Disease Prevention has regulations on mental health. Accordingly, the draft Law sets out risk factors, screening, early detection signs, monitoring and measures to prevent mental health, psychological and social support, and therapy, to prevent the progression of mental illness. This is a very new policy.
Previously, we have not had specific regulations on mental health. In particular, the draft Law also stipulates the rights and responsibilities of organizations, individuals and society, and the families of patients, especially the responsibilities of authorities at all levels related to mental health.
The draft Law on Disease Prevention also proposes to take April 7 every year as "Vietnam National Health Day", to spread the spirit of proactive disease prevention among the entire population.
The draft Law also plans to add regulations on periodic health check-ups and screening exams to institutionalize Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW of the Politburo: "People are entitled to periodic health check-ups or free screening exams at least once a year from 2026".
The draft Law on Disease Prevention is being submitted to the 15th National Assembly for consideration and approval at the 10th Session. When promulgated, the Law on Disease Prevention is expected to create a comprehensive legal foundation, contributing to improving the physical and mental health, stature and quality of life of the people.
