06 July 2026
Viet Nam's Ministry of Health issued a revised list of infectious diseases on July 1, 2026, categorized by Groups A, B, and C. Influenza was added to Group A, COVID-19 was downgraded to Group B, while RSV and associated diseases like bronchiolitis and pneumonia were added to Group B. Group A diseases allow for free health services to treat the disease, but do not require or recommend preventive measures to prevent the disease. Group B diseases mandate public surveillance and reporting of the disease burden and trends to develop a scientific basis for recommending prevention strategies for high-risk disease.
This is a strong signal from Viet Nam on it's continued momentum to expand immunization evidence and recommendations for high-risk populations, which experiences year-round Influenza and a high burden from RSV among both children and older adults. Preventive measures, including adult vaccines, keep people out of the hospital and reduces the health expenditures caused by Group A diseases while limiting the burden of high-risk diseases in Group B. The evidence generated by the addition of COVID-19 and RSV in Group B diseases will empower Viet Nam to provide science-backed and trusted vaccine recommendations.
Read the Announcement from Viet Nam's Health Ministry here