Da Nang launches drive to increase COVID-19 vaccine coverage

According to the Da Nang Department of Health, the average daily number of cases has gone up from 30 in June to 49 in July and 106 in August.

Such a rise will lead to more severe cases and deaths, especially in unvaccinated people and those with underlying conditions, causing a strain on the local healthcare system, which at the same time is battling the worst dengue outbreak in five years.

Da Nang’s COVID-19 vaccine coverage is currently among the lowest in Vietnam, with the rate of the fourth dose at 44.2%. The third dose for children aged 12-17 stands at 29.87%, while the second dose for children aged 5-12 is 55.01%, lower than the national average.

The city is looking to first raise the vaccination rate among healthcare workers and their family members to help protect the frontline force.

On the same day, the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong also launched a programme to increase the coverage of the third and fourth doses.

Dak Nong is currently among the ten most vaccinated provinces and cities in Vietnam.