VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnam has produced 10 out of 11 types of vaccines used in the national immunization program and is preparing to export the vaccines.

Made-in-Vietnam vaccines.

Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien said on Wednesday that in the 80s, with the help of the international community, Vietnam began to produce several kinds of vaccines for the national immunization program. The country can now produce 10 out of 11 types of vaccines, except for the 5-in-1 vaccine.

The Ministry of Health has received government approval to produce vaccines for export.

There are seven types of vaccines considered national products, including Hib synthetic vaccine for prevention of encephalitis, meningitis and pneumonia caused by Hib bacteria; Rota vaccine for prevention of rotavirus diarrhea; hepatitis A vaccine; typhoid vaccine; Japanese B encephalitis vaccine; seasonal influenza vaccine; and pertussis vaccine.

In the future, these products will be commercialized, to meet domestic demand for immunization and for export to several countries.

"Vietnam can export measles and influenza vaccines. Flu vaccines are now in the last testing phase and will circulate very soon. With the construction of a GMP factory, Vietnam will have one of the 12 flu vaccine plants worldwide," said Minister Tien.

Also on Wednesday, eight vaccine-related projects were signed with a total investment of VND100 billion ($5 million).

Dr. Truong Quoc Cuong, Director of the Vietnam Drug Administration, said that Vietnam is among several countries that can produce vaccines.

Vietnam aims to self-supply 100% of vaccine for the extended immunization program and 30% for immunization services.

Le Ha