This is the second highest level in the WHO’s qualification on national regulatory authorities.

The assessment was based on the Global Benchmarking Tool – GBT which is subject to a number of specific functions and criteria to ensure the quality, safety and effectiveness of vaccine approved for use. 

Earlier in April 2015, the WHO formally certified Viet Nam as owning a fully-equipped national regulatory system that ensures the safety and efficacy of vaccines produced and used in the country.

Currently, Viet Nam is capable of producing 11 vaccines for 11 preventable diseases under the national expanded program on immunization (EPI).

Four local companies are engaging in growing COVID-19 vaccine with two undertaking tests on humans, with Nanocovax and Covivac, according to the Ministry of Health. 

Nanocovax, Viet Nam’s first domestically-grown COVID-19 vaccine, is expected to be available by the fourth quarter of this year and put into use in 2022.

Viet Nam has received 928,800 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine so far this year, including 811,200 delivered through the COVAX Facility last week.

The Southeast Asian nation is expected to receive around 3.4 million doses of COVAX vaccine by the end of May, said the ministry.

Up to 52,868 people in 19 provinces and cities have been vaccinated since March 8 when the country started its national inoculation program.