Australia shares additional 7.2 million Pfizer vaccine doses to Vietnam

The vaccines were already delivered from May 20 to 28 to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

(Photo: the Australian Embassy in Vietnam)

Australia has now shared more than 22.2 million of COVID-19 vaccine doses with Vietnam, including 7.8 million doses for Vietnam’s adult vaccination program and 7.2 million Moderna doses for pediatric use to launch Vietnam’s COVID-19 vaccine roll-out for children.

Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Robyn Mudie said, “Australia has been proud to work in partnership with Vietnam since 2021 on the national vaccination campaign, sharing adult vaccine doses and supporting the roll-out across the country. I am delighted that we could share 14.4 million doses to support Vietnam’s pediatric vaccine campaign and pleased that we have been able to share more than 22 million doses in total with our close friend, Vietnam.”

Along with these doses, Australia is providing around AUD 43 million for Vietnam’s vaccine roll-out. As part of this package, Australia is working with UNICEF and the Ministry of Health to strengthen vaccine delivery systems – including cold chain upgrades, training for healthcare workers, and planning and implementation of the roll-out in remote provinces. The package also includes mobile vaccination sessions in remote areas.

UNICEF representative Rana Flowers said, “As COVID-19 remains with us, vaccines are still our best bet to reduce the mortality and impact of the disease. Vaccines help to reduce the probability that children will get long-COVID or suffer major side effects. UNICEF is delighted to join hands with Australia to provide COVID-19 vaccines for children in Vietnam as well as to support our partners to enhance the capacity of the health and immunization systems to efficiently and equitably distribute vaccines.”

Translated by Song Anh