Australia fulfills commitment to share 7.8 million vaccine doses with Viet Nam

Of the above figure, the final batch of 2.2 million doses arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on February 19, marking the completion of Australia's commitment to share 7.8 million COVID-19 vaccine doses with Viet Nam. 

In addition to the Pfizer doses procured through UNICEF, Australia has shared 4.2 million AstraZeneca doses from its own supply since August last year.

Australia's Ambassador to Viet Nam Robyn Mudie said that, Australia is a close friend and partner of Viet Nam and continues to unite in shared fight against COVID-19.

"Viet Nam has made tremendous progress with its COVID-19 vaccine rollout and I am proud that Australia could contribute towards this important work. It is critical to saving lives and boosting economic recovery", she noted.

UNICEF Representative Rana Flowers expressed gratitude to the Government of Australia for sharing these life-saving vaccine doses with the Vietnamese people. Viet Nam has proven itself highly efficient in the safe delivery of vaccines, ensuring that these are utilized effectively.

These vaccines will help Viet Nam in its effort to reach all, extending over time to children, and ensuring the rollout of booster doses. All of which contributes to a reduction in the severity of disease experienced, and importantly protects hospitals and the health workers from being overwhelmed, she added.

The Pfizer doses were purchased with UNICEF's support through Australia's AUD60 million package of support for Viet Nam's COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Australia's vaccine dose deliveries and comprehensive package of support make Australia one of Viet Nam's top partners supporting the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

According to the Ministry of Health, by noon of February 19, nearly 191 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered. As many as 68,559,094 people received the second shots while 13,167,375 people got the booster jabs.