COVID-19 Risk Assessment in Vietnam: Current Trends and Preparedness

Strategic Insights -

The Department of Preventive Medicine and the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), have assessed the current COVID-19 risk in Vietnam. The assessment reveals that while there has been a slight increase in infections, the situation remains under control, with hospital capacity stable. Globally, over 777 million COVID-19 infections and more than 7 million deaths have been reported as of May 25, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The current variants of COVID-19, including LP.8.1 and NB.1.8.1, do not pose an increased risk to public health compared to other circulating strains.
  • Vietnam has reported 641 scattered cases across 39 provinces and cities, with no reported deaths, from early 2025 to date.
  • The National Paediatrics Hospital in Ha Na tmi reported a surge in admissions in May 2025, primarily from the capital and nearby provinces.
  • The hospital reported that most of the sequenced COVID-19 samples in the third week of May were NB.1.8.1 cases.
  • The Ministry of Health is working with WHO and relevant agencies to assess risks and implement prevention and control measures.
  • Localities are instructed to closely monitor outbreaks, strengthen prevention at healthcare facilities and in the community, and work with hygiene and epidemiology institutes to evaluate trends and recommend timely responses.
  • Proactive measures are in place to prevent transmission, including vaccination coverage of nearly 100% of people aged 12 and over in Vietnam.
  • Critical care units are expected to remain especially vigilant, and hospitals are tasked with timely treatment and emergency care.

Statistics:

  • As of May 25, 2025, over 777 million COVID-19 infections and more than 7 million deaths have been reported globally.
  • Vietnam has reported 641 scattered cases of COVID-19 across 39 provinces and cities since early 2025.
  • The National Paediatrics Hospital in Ha Na tmi reported a surge in admissions in May 2025, with most cases attributed to NB.1.8.1 variant.
  • Vietnam has achieved vaccination coverage of nearly 100% for people aged 12 and over, with over 80% of adults (aged 18 and above) receiving the third dose.

Sources:

  • Department of Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, Vietnam
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • Institutes of Hygiene and Epidemiology/Pasteur Institutes
  • National Hospital for Tropical Diseases
  • National Paediatrics Hospital
  • Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU)
  • Decision No. 3984/QA-BYT (dated 29 October 2023)