HCMC – The Ministry of Health on December 12 allowed using the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine to administer the second shot to those who got their first shots of either Pfizer or AstraZeneca.
The interval between the two doses depends on the vaccine they received for their first shots, the local media reported.
According to the ministry, the Covax Facility will continue providing Moderna for Vietnam.
The latest decision on mix-and-match vaccinations was based on a recommendation by an advisory council on the use of Covid-19 vaccines.
Accordingly, if residents get their first shot of AstraZeneca, they can be given the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna. Pfizer can be used as the second shot for people who have got Moderna for their first shots or vice versa.
However, it would be better if people take the same vaccine for both shots.
The Ministry of Health asked the Departments of Health in cities and provinces to develop vaccination plans, make lists of residents eligible for vaccination and provide them with information about the mix and match of vaccines.
To date, Vietnam has received more than 160.7 million doses. The Ministry of Health has allocated a total of 154 million doses to localities and is reviewing the quality of the remaining 6.7 million doses.
As of December 12, the country administered over 132.2 million doses to local residents, including over 57.4 million people being given two shots.
