A woman vaccinated against COVID-19 (Photo: VNA)

He made request in the face of the more complicated developments of the pandemic in Hanoi and some other localities, especially risks of new outbreaks caused by the Omicron variant, while the Lunar New Year holiday - the country’s biggest traditional festival - is nearing.

Accordingly, provinces and centrally-run cities nationwide were told to seriously and drastically carry out anti-pandemic measures, especially applying the 5K principle and improving public awareness, as directed by the Government, the PM, and the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control. They have to stay vigilant and increase home treatment for the patients with mild or no symptoms.

Heads of the provincial-level anti-pandemic steering committees and People’s Committees hold the responsibility for further accelerating the vaccination campaign.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is in charge of ensuring sufficient COVID-19 medicine and vaccines, boost the domestic vaccine production, continue considering international experience and consulting experts about the administration of booster shots, and ramp up inspection and guidance to combat corruption, wastefulness, and group interest in the pandemic fight.

It was also asked to work with the Ministry of Education and Training and relevant agencies to consider the import of COVID-19 vaccine and the inoculation of people aged under 18, according to the dispatch.