Vietnam announces distribution of Moderna vaccine, no mixing allowed

11:51 14/07/2021 - Disease prevention

The Health Ministry on Wednesday distributed over two million Moderna Covid-19 vaccine doses from the U.S., saying it would not allow mixing the Moderna shots with other vaccines.

A woman receives a Covid-19 vaccine shot in HCMC, June 21, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa. — A woman receives a Covid-19 vaccine shot in HCMC, June 21, 2021. Photo by Huu Khoa.

10 localities in southern Vietnam would receive 505,680 doses in total, with HCMC, the nation's largest coronavirus hotspot, receiving 235,200 doses. Dong Nai and Binh Duong would each receive 65,520 doses, Long An 31,920, Tien Giang and An Giang 21,840 each, and Vinh Long, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Tay Ninh and Can Tho 15,000-16,800 each.

28 localities in northern Vietnam would also receive the vaccine, with Hanoi receiving 120,960 doses, Hai Duong 43,680, and Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Hai Phong and Thai Binh reach receiving 40,000-42,000 doses.

In central Vietnam, Khanh Hoa would receive the most vaccine doses in the region with 42,000 doses.

Unlike its previous decision to allow mixing the AstraZeneca and Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine shots should vaccine supply becomes limited, the health ministry would require citizens to receive both shots of the Moderna vaccine.

As of Tuesday, over four million people in Vietnam have received at least one Covid-19 vaccine shot by AstraZeneca. Among them, over 283,800 have received two shots.

Vietnam has targeted vaccinating 70 percent of its 96-million population by next April, with half of those aged 18 and older inoculated within this year.

Le Nga

14/07/2021