First doses of Covid-19 vaccines to go to frontline workers and vulnerable groups

The first doses of Covid-19 vaccines from AstraZeneca will be given to the frontline workers, police, the army, old people and those with underlying diseases, according to the deputy minister of Health Tran Van Thuan.

The first doses of Covid-19 vaccines from AstraZeneca will be given to the frontline workers, police, the army, old people and those with underlying diseases, according to the deputy minister of Health Tran Van Thuan.

  

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It is estimated that about 110 millions doses of Covid-19 vaccines will be provided to Vietnam from AstraZeneca in 2021.

"Under the Law on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases of Vietnam and recommendations from WHO, we'll prioritise health workers, the police and army forces and other frontline workers as well as the residents in outbreak areas, elderly people and those with underlying diseases," he said.

When there are more vaccines, more groups of people will be given vaccines at a fast pace and there will be a vaccine on request service. The National Steering Committee on Covid-19 Prevention and Control will manage, monitor and direct the processes to ensure vaccine equity.

In theory, at least 80% of the population must be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.

"It's a challenge to reach the target. One of the solutions is to get vaccines from different sources, including the locally-made vaccines and call for support from the private sector," Thuan said.