Govt pushes to vaccinate kids aged 5-11 against Covid

The resolution ordered cities and provinces to quicken vaccination for children against Covid-19, and finish giving booster shots to people from 18 years old.

The government also pledged to simplify the procedures for the production of domestic vaccines and give the health ministry a more active role over matters regarding the import and production of Covid-19 drugs.

Vietnam started vaccinating children from 12 years old from late last year while the health and education ministries had received orders from PM Pham Minh Chinh a month ago to research international experience in vaccination children from 5-11.

The plan has received mixed responses domestically. A survey on VnExpress over the past month received more than 140,000 responses, with 68 percent objecting to vaccination for children in the age group.

A representative of the health ministry said its survey found more than 50 percent of parents agreed on vaccinating children aged 5-11.

Parents' agreement is "very important" in the vaccination, the source said, adding that the ministry will carefully assess short-term and long-term impacts of the vaccination on children.

The ministry has negotiated with Pfizer on buying the vaccines and will place an order based on the government's instruction.

Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long said earlier that vaccination for children aged 5-11 is not obligatory but recommended.

More than 20 countries including Canada, Cuba, Italy, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the U.S. have vaccinated children 5-11 against Covid-19.