At a scientific conference held by the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in HCMC on November 10, experts highlighted an alarming reality: the average life expectancy of Vietnamese people is about 74 years, but the healthy life expectancy is only 65 years. This means each person lives with illness for 8–10 years at the end of their life, with many people over 60 suffering from at least one chronic disease.

Meanwhile, Japanese people have a higher life expectancy, over 85 years, and can stay healthy until the age of 80.

Experts noted that Vietnam’s disease pattern has changed significantly. Fifty years ago, Vietnamese people had a much lower life expectancy and mostly died from infectious diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Now, as life expectancy increases, non-communicable diseases account for 80 percent of deaths.

Reports show that out of 10 deaths, eight are caused by non-communicable diseases, including four from cardiovascular diseases, two from cancer, and one each from diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The “golden shield” 

Facing the challenge of an aging population, international experts agree that vaccination is one of the most crucial preventive measures. However, adult vaccination rates in Vietnam remain low. According to Dr. Nguyen Van Vinh Chau, Deputy Director of the HCMC Department of Health, there are two major barriers to vaccine access.

“The first issue is cost. Currently, health insurance and support policies do not cover vaccination costs, while vaccine prices are relatively high, making it difficult for the public to access,” Dr. Chau said.

“The second problem is the knowledge gap. Few healthcare workers are well-informed about adult vaccination. A doctor treating a patient with hypertension can advise on prevention, diet, medication, and rehabilitation, but when it comes to vaccination, they usually only suggest it without prescribing or giving specific recommendations,” he explained.

Many doctors merely encourage patients to get vaccinated without providing clear guidance. When patients decide to go for vaccination, clinics often hesitate to administer it due to legal liability concerns, especially for elderly patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension or diabetes.

The integrated model of diagnosis, treatment, and preventive vaccination is becoming a global trend. Vaccines are a key solution to minimizing the risk of complications and death, providing sustainable health protection for both patients and the community.

For older adults, diseases such as influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia significantly increase the risk of death, especially when accompanied by chronic conditions. Therefore, integrating vaccination into healthcare services is essential to reduce complications and improve quality of life.

“It is essential to balance policy, legal frameworks, and the need for professional training to strengthen healthcare workers’ knowledge and enable them to better inform and guide the public,” Dr. Chau said.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, former Deputy Chief Medical Officer of the UK, said: “Vietnam is making remarkable progress by focusing on preventive healthcare and lifelong immunization planning. Vaccination should become one of the fundamental standards of sustainable health care, particularly for older adults.”

Incorporating vaccine education in medical training

To address these challenges, Associate Professor Dr. Ngo Quoc Dat, Rector of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in HCMC, said: “Several European and American countries have already included vaccine-related modules in medical education. Developing a vaccine training module for postgraduate medical students is a practical initiative that strengthens the foundation of preventive medicine.”

The new vaccine modules will be developed, approved, and included in the medical curriculum starting in 2026.

Associate Professor Dr. Ho Thi Kim Thanh from Hanoi Medical University added that in the future, there will be at least one credit on vaccines and immunization in the training programs for resident doctors, first-level specialists, and applied master’s students in pediatrics, internal medicine, infectious diseases, and immunology.

As Vietnam’s population continues to age rapidly, raising awareness and promoting vaccination among the elderly will not only protect individuals but also reduce the burden on the healthcare system and society - moving toward the goal of “living longer and living healthier.”

Resolution 72 of the Politburo aims to increase the average life expectancy of Vietnamese people to 75.5 years by 2030, with a minimum healthy life expectancy of 68 years.

Vo Thu