Vietnam aims to speed up COVID-19 vaccination for children ahead of the new academic year.

The Ministry held a teleconference with 63 provinces and cities nationwide, and said that the communication needed to mobilize and encourage people to participate in pandemic prevention and control, especially vaccination, is not really effective. Resources for pandemic prevention and control have not been guaranteed, and there is a shortage of drugs and medical supplies in many places. 

“This month’s vaccination will focus on children between 5 and 12 years old. As Vietnam’s vaccination rate remains slow, according to the WHO, I ask localities to develop specific roadmaps and measures to ensure a safe environment for children at the beginning of the new academic year,” said Acting Health Minister Dao Hong Lan.  

The Health Ministry said the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious diseases such as seasonal flu, dengue fever, and hand-foot-mouth disease are now basically controlled nationwide. It is also keeping a close watch on the development of monkeypox and other emerging infectious diseases in the region and the world.