Influenza A/H5N1 vaccine (IVACFLU-AH5N1) and seasonal influenza vaccine (IVACFLU-S) produced by Vietnam’s Institute of Vaccines and Medical Biologicals (IVAC) have received the Ministry of Health’s permit for commercial use.
The Ministry of Health has issued a permit for IVACFLU-S seasonal flu vaccine. Photo: VGP
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This is the first type of flu vaccine produced by Vietnam. The IVAC said that the Ministry of Health recognizes its production line for the seasonal influenza vaccine at a scale of 1.5 million doses per year, and A/H5N1 influenza vaccines at a scale of three million doses per year.
IVAC has successfully produced the vaccines to meet not only domestic needs, but also contributes to the addition of vaccine resources to the region and the world to prevent the risk of pandemics.
Currently, the IVAC is implementing the project on the research and production of combined 5-in-1 vaccine with a view to produce 5-in-1 vaccine to prevent diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, hepatitis B and Hib.
According to Dr. Tran Dac Phu, head of the MOH’s Preventive Medicine Department, the successful production of the seasonal influenza vaccine is significant because Vietnam is a country with a high number of people with influenza each year, from 1.5-1.8 million, while few people actively use seasonal influenza vaccines.
Seasonal flu is usually benign but can become complicated, especially in babies, the elderly and pregnant women who have vunerable immune system. The most effective way to prevent seasonal flu is through vaccination.
