An ethnic minority woman in northern mountainous Cao Bằng Province is given a third COVID-19 vaccine dose. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Health (MoH) has asked leaders of provinces and centrally-run cities to step up the vaccination campaign against COVID-19.

Some localities have recently proposed to not receive vaccines or transferring their allocated doses, meaning the COVID-19 vaccination target is likely to be missed, the ministry said, citing a report from the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE).

As of May 24, more than 219.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered nationwide.

Localities have made great efforts in rolling out vaccinations to ensure safety and effectiveness and achieve a high coverage rate.

The number of vaccines received by the MoH is enough to give the third and fourth shots for people aged 18 years and older who are eligible, it said.

The ministry proposed leaders of the provinces and cities direct the Departments of Health and related agencies to promptly review the number of people who are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination, focusing on completing the injection of third shots for people 18 years old or older in the second quarter of this year as well as inoculation for children from 5 to under 12 years old.

The localities are requested to set up plans and organise the administration of third shots for eligible people.

The MoH stated that localities which don’t receive enough vaccines for the third and fourth shots for people aged from 18, or children from 5 to under 12 years old, or allow COVID outbreaks will bear responsibilities before the Government and the Prime Minister. — VNS