Complex pandemic situation
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), countries with low coverage rates for the basic dose of Covid-19 vaccine should first focus on increasing the coverage rate for the basic dose for high-priority groups. Countries that have achieved medium to high coverage rates for the basic dose (including Vietnam) should focus on increasing the coverage rate for booster doses for high-priority groups before implementing vaccination for low-priority groups. Children should continue to be fully vaccinated with vaccines in the recommended routine immunization schedule.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to evolve, additional booster shots (after the second booster shot, i.e. after the fourth shot) may be given to high-risk groups. According to the latest WHO recommendations (updated on March 30, 2023), high-priority Covid-19 vaccination targets include: the elderly; adults with severe underlying diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease; people with immune disorders including children aged 6 months and older; pregnant women and frontline health workers. Medium-priority targets are people under 60 years old without underlying diseases, children and adolescents with underlying diseases. Low-priority targets are children and adolescents aged 6 months to 17 years.
People receive the 4th dose of Covid-19 vaccine in Ho Chi Minh City
Booster shot every 6 - 12 months
According to the roadmap of SAGE (WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization) and WHO Western Pacific Region on the use of Covid-19 vaccines in the context of Omicron and significant immunity in the community as follows: For high priority groups, the booster shot is 6 - 12 months after the previous shot (regardless of how many previous shots have been given). For pregnant women, vaccination helps protect the fetus and children under 6 months of age.
SAGE does not currently recommend continuing booster vaccination for people in the medium priority group for vaccination.
For low-priority groups, the primary and booster doses are safe and effective for children aged 6 months to 17 years. According to SAGE, countries should carefully consider epidemiological factors, costs, effectiveness and other priorities before deciding to vaccinate children in this age group against Covid-19.
Regarding the form of vaccination, WHO recommends that countries consider changing from campaign vaccination to integrating it into routine immunization. Countries can use (mRNA) vaccines for primary and booster doses.
There are currently no recommendations for annual Covid-19 vaccination, even for high-priority groups.
Free Covid-19 vaccine injection
In Vietnam, on April 17, 2023, the Ministry of Health's Vaccine Advisory Council met and recommended that the use of vaccines according to the WHO update on March 30, 2023 is necessary. Accordingly, the strategy for vaccine use in Vietnam is: to maximize the use of existing vaccines, especially vaccines recommended by WHO or included in the emergency use list and vaccines licensed by the Ministry of Health. Vaccinate Covid-19 for subjects according to WHO recommendations; use vaccines according to local recommendations, people's needs and the amount of vaccines provided.
The Covid-19 vaccine target is high-risk groups to receive enough doses of vaccination.
Covid-19 vaccines are administered free of charge, following the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and the manufacturer's instructions for use.
4 age groups to receive Covid-19 vaccine in 2023
People 18 years of age and older: those who have not received booster shots; those who are scheduled for vaccination in 2023 (from 17 to 18 years of age)
People from 12 to 18 years old: people who have not received 3 basic doses; people who are scheduled for vaccination in 2023 (from 11 to 12 years old)
People from 5 to under 12 years old: need basic vaccination
Children under 5 years old and subsequent vaccinations for groups 5 years old and above: The Ministry of Health will recommend and provide instructions later, when there is a basis, scientific basis and in accordance with the epidemic situation.
(Source: Ministry of Health)
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