China to accelerate Covid vaccination among the elderly amid rising cases, protests
covid vaccine
China said on Tuesday (November 29) that it plans to speed Covid vaccination of people aged 60 and more. The statement has come after China logged record number of Covid infections for several days.
China has a strict 'Zero-Covid' policy but the harsh lockdown it involves has caused anger and uncharacteristic protests across the country.
Beijing's National Health Commission (NHC) pledged to "accelerate the increase in the vaccination rate for people over the age of 80, and continue to increase the vaccination rate for people aged 60-79".
It also said it would "establish a special working group... to make special arrangements for the vaccination of the elderly against Covid".
"It is necessary to conduct popular science education on the meaning and benefits of vaccination, and fully publicise vaccines' efficacy on preventing severe illness and death," it added.
China's older population has low rate of vaccination. The general, relatively lower vaccination rate has been seen as prolonging Covid pandemic in China, the only major economy yet to be rid of the illness.
(With inputs from agencies)
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.
WATCH WION LIVE HERE