Gov’t orders national program on COVID-19 vaccine research and production

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at a meeting with scientists and vaccine manufacturers, Ha Noi, June 7, 2021. Photo: VGP

The order was made during a meeting with scientists and vaccine manufacturers in Ha Noi on June 7.

The Government chief urged subordinate levels to consider vaccines as the decisive, strategic and long-term solution to pandemics, including the COVID-19 disease.

He also demanded subordinate levels double efforts in removing legal obstacles and mobilize all sources of funding in order to successfully realize the aforesaid program.

In a bid to secure funding for import and domestic research and development of vaccines, a Government-initiated COVID-19 vaccine fund made debut on June 5.

Viet Nam is currently using the COVID-19 vaccine produced by British-Swedish firm AstraZeneca for its mass vaccination program. So far over one million people have been vaccinated.

The Southeast Asian country is also stepping up efforts in research and development of four homegrown vaccines.

Nano Covax, developed by Vietnamese Nanogen Pharmaceutical Biotechnology JSC, became the first domestic vaccine to enter the third and final phase of human trials since June 7.  

Another domestic vaccine Covivac, developed by the Institute of Vaccines and Biological Medical (IVAC) in Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa province, is expected to start phase 2 human trials next month.

The two domestic vaccine manufacturers’ combined production capacity is estimated at 30-40 million doses per year and the figure may be raised to 200-300 million doses annually with support from foreign partners, according to the Ministry of Health.

As of 6:48 pm on June 7, Viet Nam confirmed 8,983 COVID-19 cases, including 3,509 recoveries and 53 fatalities, said the ministry./.

By Kim Anh