HCMC – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said that the second Covid-19 vaccine dose for residents aged 18 and older must be administered by the end of this month at the latest, and children aged between 12 and 17 should be fully vaccinated by January 31 next year.
At a meeting of the national anti-Covid steering committee on December 10, PM Chinh said after two months of deploying the Government’s Resolution 128 on “safely and flexibly adapting to and effectively controlling Covid-19”, the country had brought the pandemic under control, the local media reported.
However, the situation remains complicated, especially with the appearance of the highly contagious Omicron variant. The number of cases getting worse and deaths have increased again and many of them have yet to be fully vaccinated or are suffering from underlying illnesses.
Therefore, the country’s socioeconomic recovery and development will face many difficulties and there remains a shortage of laborers in many industrial parks.
The Government leader required enhancing control over the pandemic and minimizing the number of new Covid cases, those getting worse and fatalities.
In addition, localities were assigned to quickly administer the booster shots to frontline workers, residents aged 50 and above and those suffering from underlying illnesses.
Regarding the vaccination of children aged between five and 11, the prime minister asked the relevant ministries and agencies to consult with the competent agencies, international experts and organizations and learn from the experience of other countries.
PM Chinh asked localities not to issue regulations that go against Resolution 128. They should instruct local residents to conduct quick Covid-19 tests, speed up the vaccination and prevent incidents during the vaccination.
Moreover, supplies of Covid-19 vaccines and antivirals must be ensured. Besides importing them, the country must enhance local research and production, putting the lives of local residents at the top priority.
Localities must review and report their demand for Covid-19 vaccines, antivirals and medical workers. In case of a shortage, the Government will support them.
Leaders of cities and provinces were asked to meet with enterprises and laborers to work out solutions to fight the pandemic and maintain and develop production activities.
