Ho Chi Minh City is intensifying safety checks and assessments of vaccination facilities to safeguard public health and well-being. This commitment reflects the City Department of Health’s dedication to maintaining a safe and effective vaccination system.
Guidance Document Overview
Recently, Mr. Nguyễn Văn Vĩnh Châu, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, issued a directive requiring district and municipal health centers to strengthen vaccine safety inspections. This follows the Ministry of Health’s guidelines for vaccination activities and builds on 2023 instructions for inspections and audits of vaccination services.
Inspection Results to Date
Local health centers have actively collaborated with medical centers to implement vaccination safety measures. Corrective actions have been taken promptly on identified violations, and results have been reported to the Department of Health. As of December 31, 2024, a total of 506 out of 672 facilities have been inspected. Several districts, including Bình Thạnh, Cần Giờ, District 4, Nhà Bè, Thủ Đức, Tân Phú, Củ Chi, and District 6, have inspected over 90% of their facilities. However, three districts (District 10, Hóc Môn, and Tân Bình) have yet to report inspection results.
HCM Department of Health strengthens vaccine safety inspections and addresses violations
Key Points in the Guidance Document
The Department of Health’s directive emphasizes several key aspects of improving vaccination safety:
1. Inspection Planning: Health centers are required to develop detailed inspection plans, prioritizing facilities not yet inspected or those with safety concerns in 2024.
2. Strict Enforcement of Violations: Facilities violating vaccination safety regulations will face strict penalties, including temporary suspension of operations and reporting to the Department of Health. This is crucial for public health protection.
3. Regular Reporting: Health centers must submit quarterly reports of inspection results to the Department of Health for ongoing monitoring and support.
Recent Vaccination Trends
Besides safety inspections, other vaccination trends have been noted:
- Measles Vaccine: The measles vaccination campaign continues to protect public health and prevent outbreaks.
- Influenza Vaccine: Demand for influenza vaccines remains high. From the Lunar New Year until now, influenza vaccine administrations have increased significantly to 130-150 cases/month—an increase of 50% compared to previous months. This surge is observed in hospitals, health stations, and private vaccination centers.
Conclusion
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health is committed to maintaining and enhancing safety standards for vaccinations. Regular inspections and strict enforcement of violations contribute to the protection of public health and provide assurance to citizens. The substantial increase in flu vaccine demand shows the public’s growing concern for health.
