Gov't targets to complete administration of COVID-19 vaccines to children aged 5-11 prior to September

The Government targts to complete the administration of vaccines to children aged 5-11 prior to September this year, according to the latest COVID-19 response program for the 2022-2023 period.

By the end of the first quarter, children in the 12-17 age group will be fully vaccinated while individuals aged 18 and above will receive the booster doses.

The Government will create the most favorable conditions for stepping up vaccine manufacturing and production technology transfer as soon as possible.

The Government will also strive to reduce the COVID-19 mortality rate per one million people is expected to less than the average rate in Asia.

The country will work to improve the capacity of the healthcare system, especially preventive medicine and grassroots health care; increase investment in medical supplies and infrastructure; give appropriate treatment policies to those working in preventive medicine and grassroots health care; and enhance the emergency aid and intensive care quality at all-level medical establishments.

Health services will be made available to all vulnerable groups, including the elderly, people with chronic diseases, the disabled, pregnant women, migrant workers.

Based on the evolution of the pandemic, COVID-19 may be considered to be removed from from Group A which comprises dangerous infectious diseases with the ability to spread quickly and widely, have a high mortality rate or an unknown causative agent to Group B.

The program also reiterates the Government's goal to pursue socio-economic development in tandem with COVID-19 response.

Accordingly, localities are required to synchronously implement Resolution No. 128/NQ-CP which marks the shift from zero COVID policy to safe and flexible adadptation to the pandemic.