(Illustrative photo)

In order to obtain sufficient quantities of COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, Vietnam has pursued three solutions: import vaccines, receive vaccine technology transfers, and research and produce a homegrown vaccine.

The Health Ministry said the final clinical test of Vietnam’s homegrown vaccine Nanocovax has been sped up in order to register it for emergency licensing at the earliest moment.

Technology transfer for producing foreign vaccines, including the US’s ARCT-154 vaccine contracted with Vingroup, the vaccine of Japan’s Shionogi company contracted with AIC and VABIOTECH, and Russia’s Sputnik-V vaccine contracted with VABIOTECH and the DS-Bio company, are beginning to see results.

Professor Doctor Lieutenant-General Do Quyet, Director of the Military Medical Academy, said the Nanocovax vaccine is safe and effective, with good immunogenicity.

“Three trial phases of Nanocovax have shown positive results. Assessment of the vaccine will be based on the most basic factors, including absolute safety. We can confirm that the vaccine is safe and effective, based on its immunogenicity. We have applied to the Health Ministry and the Ethic Council for licensing,” said Quyet.

Vietnam has signed contracts to buy hundreds of millions of vaccine doses. Prime Minister Chinh stressed the pressing need to have sufficient vaccine doses to vaccinate everybody and sufficient treatment drugs and medical equipment to handle the pandemic until the vaccines take effect.

The Health Ministry, he said, will continue to support vaccine research and production with the ultimate criteria of safety. Vietnam’s successful development of a vaccine affirms the ability of its scientists.

“A homegrown vaccine represents the intellect and hard work of Vietnam’s scientists, managers, and producers. It’s a success for the entire nation,” said Prime Minister Chinh.