Australian Government advice about seeking/receiving a foreign vaccine overseas
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) assesses the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines, including vaccines, prior to their approval for use in Australia. The Australian Government cannot provide formal advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have not been assessed by the TGA. The TGA recognises that there are comparable overseas regulators, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the European Union’s European Medicines Agency (EMA). Updates on the current status of the review of approved vaccines are available at: www.tga.gov.au/covid-19-vaccines.
Impact of Vaccinations on Australia’s Quarantine Requirements.
If you are leaving Australia, please visit this link for more information https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/leaving-australia
If you are entering Australia please visit this link for more information https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/coming-australia
If you have questions regarding vaccinations, please visit this FAQ page at https://www.australia.gov.au/internationalfaqs or https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/covid-19/covid-19/covid-19-vaccinations
The Story So Far
Vietnam has managed to contain 4 outbreaks so far between Feb 2020 and late Feb 2021 Since the start of the novel coronavirus (Covid019) outbreak, Vietnam has closely monitored the situation and installed a series of measures to combat the spread of the virus within the country and prepare its public health facilities. Past experience has allowed some experience to be applied Currently Vietnam is only allowing entry to those foreign experts, and those travelling for official or diplomatic purposes, who must undergo medical checks and 21-day quarantine at their own cost upon arrival in Vietnam. Australians overseas are required/requested to seek support from their local Government and health agencies in their local countries
Australia Supporting Vietnam
In relation to Australia supporting the Vietnamese Government in their Covid-19 programs - the Australian Government has committed $40M (over 3 years) to support the local programs The includes the provision of local infrastructure and training to support a local rollout
What’s Happening in Australia
Australian Government is currently rolling out a vaccination for Australian citizens and residents in Australia, this does not extend to Australians overseas The Australian Government is not able to comment in relation to the safety, quality or efficacy of vaccines provided by countries other than Australia as part of any local programs If an Australian does receive a vaccination in another country they are able to register that vaccination when returning to Australia (conditions apply) If a traveller has been vaccinated in another country (not Australia) they are still required to complete quarantine on arrival in Australia
Vietnam Vaccine Program
The initial program is to vaccinate frontline workers, security forces, diplomats, teachers and people over 65 years of age In March 2021 Vietnam began its vaccination program – 117,600 doses (AstraZeneca) were received in late February The Government has advised 150 million doses will be needed for the whole population The Vietnamese Government intends to have vaccinated the prioritised 20% of the population by the end of 2022 
