Demand for seasonal flu vaccines has risen recently at both public and private vaccination centers in Ho Chi Minh City. The vaccine, a paid service, costs between VND200,000 and VND350,000 per dose. Doctors particularly recommend it for high-risk groups including infants, elderly people, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases.
A busy scene unfolded yesterday morning at the Pasteur Institute's vaccination area in Ho Chi Minh City, as many people arrived to register for flu shots. Ms. Tran Thi Hanh Tien, a resident of District 4, explained that she had taken the morning off work to ensure her mother received the vaccine, due to growing concerns about the seasonal flu's spread.
She explained that the mother is over 65 years old and has heart disease, so her mother is susceptible to complications and worsening if she unfortunately gets the flu.
Meanwhile, resident Phung Duong Thanh in Tan Binh District decided that all 6 members of his family will get vaccine to proactively prevent the disease. According to Mr. Thanh, he had been vaccinated against influenza but did not maintain the annual immunization schedule.
In recent days, Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City has seen increased number of people who come to the institute for vaccination. The number surged by more than 20 percent compared to normal days. Most people registered to have shots against influenza, pneumococcal and measles.
This surge in demand was also observed at various private vaccination centers throughout the city.
Accordingly, from the beginning of the year until now, the number of vaccinations at FPT Long Chau Vaccination Center has increased by 5 percent compared to the end of 2024, the demand for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines has doubled.
Meanwhile the VNVC Vaccination Center said that the number of people coming to its facilities get the influenza vaccine has increased 5 times. According to records at the centers, each dose of influenza vaccine costs VND200,000-VND350,000.
Influenza remains present in Ho Chi Minh City, with the infectious disease surveillance system recording approximately 2,900 cases in 2024. Of these, 11 were classified as severe, but no fatalities have been reported. Around 20 individuals are currently receiving hospital treatment for influenza, and no abnormalities have been detected in these cases. The health sector is committed to close monitoring, enhanced prevention measures, and a balanced approach that avoids both complacency and undue public anxiety.
According to Dr. Dinh Van Thoi, Head of the Vaccination Clinic, Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City, influenza circulates year round. Moreover, seasonal influenza spreads easily and is highly contagious with rapid transmission in crowded areas.
While most flu patients recover within a week without medical intervention, seasonal influenza can lead to severe pneumonia or death in high-risk groups, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Da Nang has administered more than 10,000 flu vaccine doses across 24 healthcare units from February 1 to 10, according to Deputy Director Vo Thu Tung of the Da Nang Department of Health.
Vaccination centers operated by VNVC in Hai Chau, Lien Chieu, Cam Le, Thanh Khe, and Son Tra districts reported high demand, each handling over 1,000 injections.
Health officials confirm that the flu situation in Da Nang remains within normal levels compared to previous years. In January 2025, the city recorded 122 cases of seasonal flu requiring inpatient treatment.
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