HCMC starts new Covid-19 vaccination campaign

Launched Thursday, the campaign will give priority to more than 62,000 poor and vulnerable citizens under preferential treatment as regulated by the state.

Others to get the shot include those working in healthcare facilities, joining the Covid-19 frontline, military personnel, policemen, workers, teachers, medical workers' family members, as well as those providing essential services.

On the list to be vaccinated are also 50,000 people above 65 and 100,000 suffering chronic diseases including kidney failure, lung failure, hypertension and diabetes.

As per its first four campaigns, vaccination stations would be set up across the city, though this time, those above 65 or suffering other comorbidities would receive the jab in hospitals so doctors could keep track of their progress and offer immediate emergency aid.

HCMC resident Hong Minh Hai, 72, receives a Covid-19 vaccine shot at a hospital in Thu Duc City, July 22, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Ha An.

The ongoing campaign will last two to three weeks, with 600 stations operating to administer a maximum 120 shots per day.

Depending on the actual situation, more stations would be opened later, said Nguyen Huu Hung, deputy director of the city's Health Department.

Among the doses for the ongoing campaigns are AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer and a small amount of Sinopharm, he said.

Ho Chi Minh City with 13 million people including migrants has so far inoculated 991,322, with 48,107 getting two shots.

At a government meeting Wednesday, the city was promised three million more doses of Covid-19 vaccines, expected to arrive in late August and early September.

HCMC is suffering its worst Covid-19 community outbreak ever.

Now the epicenter of Vietnam's ongoing Covid-19 wave that started in late April, the city has recorded 43,776 infections.