Hanoian parents queuing for vaccine

Many parents in Hanoi have had to queue up for hours in order to get their children inoculated with the “five-in-one” vaccine.

Crowding and elbowing to get vaccinated

After a one-month shortage, the vaccine “five-in-one” has become available at several medical stations in Hanoi in recent days, causing parents to rush to have their children vaccinated.

Many parents lined up in front of a vaccination centre at Lo Duc Street since 4am to ensure that they would get a vaccination ticket for their children.

Overcrowding recorded from early morning

Despite waiting for hours and even receiving tickets, several parents decided to take their children home because it became so crowded and stuffy in the vaccination rooms.

A staff member at the vaccination centre said that around 400 children registered for vaccinations each day, but they could serve only half.

Nguyen Van Dung, from Tran Khat Chan Street, said, “I arrived at 5:50pm in order to get my child name on their list. When I came back at 9am, I still waited for one hour more to have my child vaccinated.”

Waiting around the centre

Dung added that many parents are displeased when the centre stops registration at 9am.

“Yesterday, I had to take my daughter home without being vaccinated due to the overcrowding. I think the situation may be better today, so I came at 9am but I was told to return at 1:30pm. Many people told me to queue up from 12pm in order to ensure my child's place,” said Xuan, a mother from Hoang Mai District.

Photos taken at the vaccination centre on July 6:

Stifling crowds

 Long waits

Trying to register

Grandfather holding his grandchild

Newcomers

 

 Tired

 Full registration until 9am

 

Waiting in vain

More waiting

Returning home without being vaccinated