Vaccination against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 (HPAI) is widely practiced in Viet Nam as one important measure to prevention and control the spread of the virus in the country.   

A successful vaccination programme depends on the use of high quality vaccines complying with international standards, appropriate infrastructure to ensure rapid and safe delivery of vaccines, monitoring of vaccinated flocks, movement control of poultry, and adequate financial resources.

The first year of the nationwide implementation of the vaccination programme contributed to the prevention and control of HPAI in the country.  It has however, led to the recognition that one of the major challenges underlying the success of the vaccination programme is the logistical limitations related to appropriate storage and distribution of the vaccine supplies. 

It is extremely crucial to maintain stocks of vaccine in good condition by having sufficient storage space for bulk vaccine supplies, the capacity to monitor the storage temperature, and to have backup power supply in case the main electricity supplies are interrupted. 

Under current circumstances, veterinary officials are however often faced with challenges of lack of infrastructure and human resources in most areas.  Steps are being taken to improve the capacity.