As the pandemic continues on with no clear end in sight to SARS-CoV-2 circulation, Vietnamese Ministry of Health has recommended rolling out a fourth COVID-19 dose to boost waning immunity.

As some have only just had their third dose, it may be too early to say definitely whether or not a fourth dose is needed, and for which part of the population.

It now advises that certain people who are immunocompromised can get a fourth vaccine dose.

People aged 50 years or older, along with moderately and severely immunocompromised people aged 18 years and older, high-risk populations and health care workers are on need for a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose. They can get an additional vaccine dose at least 4 months after completing their third dose in a bid to increase protection against Covid-19.

Vietnamese Ministry of Health has authorized a fourth Pfizer and Moderna dose for eligible people.

The Da Nang Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that the booster vaccine is now rolling out to all over-18s while the city is offering a second dose for children and young people aged 12 to 17 years in final push, and giving out a first dose for children aged 5 to 11 years.

As of May 21, a total of more than 1.3 million COVID-19 vaccine doses had been offered to all over-18s in Da Nang, among them are over 881,000 first doses, nearly 871,000 second shots and nearly 699,000 booster jabs.

Besides, more than 103,000 first doses and  over 100,000 second doses have been given to children and young people aged 12 to 17 years while 23,500 first shots have been offered to children aged 5 to 11 years.

Reporting by THANH TINH – Translating by H.L