Vaccines and medical biologicals are always considered the most effective disease prevention measures in preventive medicine. To ensure sustainability and equity in access, the Disease Prevention Law No. 114/2025/QH15 has detailed regulations on vaccine use strategies as well as the binding responsibilities of relevant parties from Article 17, Article 21, Article 22, and Article 23. For medical staff, mastering these regulations not only helps perform professional procedures correctly but also serves as a legal basis to resolve issues arising related to rights and vaccination adverse events.
Access rights and lifelong vaccination strategy
According to Article 21 of the new Law, the mindset regarding vaccine use has undergone a strategic change. Citizens are not only vaccinated in the early stages of life but have the right to be guaranteed equity in access to vaccines and biologicals according to age and subject throughout the “life cycle”. This regulation opens a new era for lifelong vaccination, protecting health from newborns to the elderly.
Regarding forms, Article 22 clearly distinguishes two types of vaccination. First is Mandatory vaccination, applicable to diseases in the prescribed list and anti-epidemic vaccination. The State is responsible for ensuring the budget for this group through the Expanded Program on Immunization. Second is Voluntary vaccination, where individuals decide and pay for themselves. The Minister of Health will prescribe the list of mandatory diseases, routine immunization schedules, catch-up vaccination, and proactive campaigns, creating a flexible and comprehensive immune defense system.
Rights and responsibilities in epidemic prevention and control
Besides the right to be provided with accurate information and access to medical services, Article 17 sets strict legal responsibilities for each individual. Citizens are required to proactively implement preventive measures, truthfully and timely declare their health status, and strictly comply with the requirements of health agencies.
For medical facilities and medical staff, the Law protects the right to safety when working and prioritizes resources. However, we also bear a great responsibility in organizing quarantine, hygiene, disinfection, and especially monitoring the health of people directly participating in the investigation, surveillance, care, and treatment of people infected with Group A infectious diseases. This regulation aims to ensure maximum safety for medical human resources – those directly facing the risk of infection, while ensuring that all professional decisions and implementation measures must be associated with accountability and compliance with standard procedures.
Compensation mechanism for adverse events: An important legal anchor
One of the most interesting contents in Article 23 is the regulation on liability for compensation when adverse events occur, seriously affecting the health or life of the vaccinated person. The Law has clearly delineated the source of responsibility to ensure the rights of citizens:
In the case of mandatory vaccination (Expanded Program on Immunization, anti-epidemic), the State will be responsible for compensating the injured party. If the fault is determined to be in the production, storage, or vaccination practice stage, the organization or individual causing the fault must reimburse the State.
For vaccination at private facilities, that facility must be liable for compensation according to civil law. However, if the private facility is mobilized by the State to participate in fighting the epidemic, the liability for compensation will belong to the State. This regulation helps medical staff at private facilities feel more secure when participating in the country’s general anti-epidemic efforts, while clearly establishing liability limits in professional practice.
Conclusion
The regulations from Articles 17 to 23 of the 2025 Disease Prevention Law No. 114/2025/QH15 have created a tight legal corridor, balancing rights and obligations. Understanding these regulations helps medical staff be more confident in counseling, prescribing, and performing vaccinations, contributing to building a safe and healthy community.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. La Ngoc Quang – Center for Support & Continuing Education