A resident in northern Phú Thọ Province is vaccinated against COVID-19 on Tuesday. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Minister of Health Nguyễn Thanh Long has declared Việt Nam’s vaccine strategy a success in three aspects.

Presenting a report on COVID-19 prevention and control and the implementation of the Resolution No.30/2021/QH15 during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Committee on Social Affairs in Hà Nội on Tuesday, Long said Việt Nam has so far signed contracts and agreements for 191 million vaccine doses, which will further increase in the near future, ensuring full vaccinations for people adults as well as children aged 12 to 17.

The second aspect is the research and production of COVID-19 vaccines and medicine. According to the minister, since very early, Việt Nam actively worked to access transfer of vaccine production technology from the US, Russia, China and Cuba while promoting domestic research vaccines, to avoid disruption in the global supply of medical equipment, medicine and vaccines. 

The third aspect is the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, which is the largest of its kind ever in the country. Long said the ministry is urging localities to accelerate the vaccination pace, stressing that vaccine coverage is very important to re-opening and the plan on safely and flexibly adapting to the pandemic. 

About vaccinations for children, especially those below 12, the minister said caution is needed because all vaccines were developed quickly so there is not enough time to assess all of the vaccines' impacts.

Long also stressed that under the Politburo's conclusion on vaccinations, the Government has been responsible for ensuring enough vaccines for residents free of charge. The Health Ministry is also preparing plans to offer booster shots, based on international practice and guidance of the World Health Organization.

As for treatment medicine, the Government has allowed enterprises to import materials before applying for production licences in order to stay proactive in COVID-19 medicine supply in the future, he said. — VNS