Illustrative image (Source: VNA) According to theofficial, 1.682 million doses of AstraZenceca COVID-19vaccine will arrive in Vietnam on May 16, which are supplied by COVAX Facilityvia the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Dr Duong Thi Hong, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Hygiene andEpidemiology said that the Expanded Programme on Immunisation will continue tohold trainings on COVID-19 vaccination, especially pre-vaccination screeningand response to post-injection reations to ensure safety.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr Phan Trong Lan, head ofthe Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute underlined the significance of COVID-19vaccination amid the complicated pandemic situation in the region and the worldwith over 3 million deaths so far.
Minister Long said that the Ministry ofHealth has negotiated with many countries, organisations and vaccine producers,resulting in 110 million doses of vaccines committed for Vietnam, including 31million doses from COVAX Facility, 30 million from AstraZeneca, and 31 millionfrom Pfizer/BioNTech. The ministry hasregistered with COVAX to buy additional 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccineunder the cost-share mechanism, he added.
Long affirmed that the ministry is stillworking with other suppliers to diversify sources of supplies.
Since March 2021, the COVID-19 vaccinationscheme has been carried out, with priority given to frontline medical workersand people involving in COVID-19 prevention and control activities.
As of May 13, 959,182 doses of COVID-19vaccines had been administered to the target groups in an effective and safemanner. The second phase of the scheme is expected to complete on May 15./.
VNA
