Foreign Minister: comprehensive vaccine plan for 2022 needed

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (standing) chairs a meeting of the Government’s Working Group on vaccine diplomacy. (Photo: VNA) 

Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has asked the Government’s Working Group on vaccine diplomacy to build a comprehensive vaccine plan for 2022 based on domestic demand, including vaccines for children aged 5-12 and 12-18, booster shots as well as the capacity of vaccine production at home.

Son, who is also head of the group, made the request while chairing its regular meeting in Hanoi on October 13, two months after the Prime Minister signed a decision on its establishment on August 13.

Reports by the ministries of foreign affairs and health said that positive results have been made in vaccine diplomacy. The total amount of vaccines to Vietnam has increased in recent months.

The group also advised the Government to step up cooperation in vaccine production and trials at home and import several types of COVID-19 drugs.

In his conclusion, Son said the most important task of the group between now and the year’s end is to continue accelerating and ensuring the delivery of vaccines as committed. It will promote international cooperation in vaccine production to increase domestic supply as well as step up approaches to COVID-19 medicines.

Amid the uncertain and prolonged developments of the pandemic, the minister suggested the group uphold the sense of responsibility, work closely and flexibly to offer timely suggestions regarding vaccine diplomatic activities that match domestic situation and demand, contributing to socio-economic development in the new normal./.