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China to ramp up COVID-19 vaccinations among elderly
A public service advertisement on vaccination against COVID-19 for elderly people is seen at a bus stop in Beijing, China, September 9, 2022. /CFP
A public service advertisement on vaccination against COVID-19 for elderly people is seen at a bus stop in Beijing, China, September 9, 2022. /CFP

A public service advertisement on vaccination against COVID-19 for elderly people is seen at a bus stop in Beijing, China, September 9, 2022. /CFP

China issued a new plan to ramp up COVID-19 vaccinations among elderly people.

The plan, made public on Tuesday by the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council, is designed to accelerate the vaccination rate of people aged 80 and above and continue to push for the inoculation of those aged between 60 and 79.

According to the mechanism, over 90 percent of people aged 60 and above have received one dose in China. But it also noted that more work is still needed.

The new COVID-19 vaccination plan lists possible combinations of different types of vaccines. The inhaler type made by CanSino, which does not require needle injection, is included.

The plan also shaved down the waiting time before taking a booster shot from six months to three months, citing real-world research and clinical data from domestic and international sources.

The mechanism requires local officials to guide medical personnel to evaluate elderly people's pre-existing conditions according to science. Oversimplification is strictly prohibited in the process, it said.

(Bu Shi also contributed to the story.)

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