On September 25, the Institute of Vaccines and Medical Biologicals (IVAC), Ministry of Health and many units announced the successful production of two vaccines for seasonal influenza and H5N1 influenza, after nearly 10 years of research.

`We have received help from many units, along with the participation and support of nearly 50 researchers to achieve today’s results,` shared Associate Professor, Dr. Le Van Be, Director of IVAC.

Two types of vaccines have just been successfully produced.

According to Associate Professor Be, seasonal flu vaccine (IVACFLU-S) protects against 3 virus strains H1N1, H3N2, B. IVACFLU-S is prepared as an injectable solution, colorless or translucent white.

These two vaccines began to be researched in 2010 using embryonic chicken egg culture technology.

Therefore, the unit built a clean and isolated chicken raising facility to ensure quality and then inoculated the virus strain into chicken egg embryo water.

During the production process, the two vaccines went through many stages of clinical trials with more than 1,000 people 18-60 years old and were accepted by the National Biomedical Research Council and the Ministry of Health.

`Clinical trial results show that these two vaccines are safe and capable of providing immune response in healthy adults,` Dr. Be said.

The Institute of Vaccines and Medical Biologicals said it took nearly 10 years to successfully produce two vaccines.

It is expected that next year, two vaccines will be licensed for circulation with a capacity of 1-1.5 million doses a year.

Dr. Nguyen Tuyet Nga, representative of the International Organization for Global Health (PATH), assessed: `The two successfully produced vaccines will greatly assist in minimizing the risk of future disease outbreaks.`

WHO representative, Mr. Guido Torelli, acknowledged that producing the above two vaccines is very complicated, but researchers have taken advantage of the best conditions to succeed.

`Vietnam has produced vaccines, showing that it can be self-sufficient in vaccine sources when an epidemic occurs,` Mr. Guido Torelli said.

Vaccine research expert in the laboratory.

Since 2010, the International Organization for Global Health (PATH) has cooperated with the Ministry of Health to develop a long-term plan for the production and use of influenza vaccines, clinical trial guidelines, and influenza vaccine registration.

In addition, PATH is also supporting Vaccine and Biological Products Company No. 1 to develop the H5N1 vaccine using cell culture technology.