Mr. Robert was taken by his wife Trinh Kim Nguyen (behind) to be vaccinated. (Photo: TTO)
The vaccines used for the vaccination phase are AstraZeneca or Moderna, depending on the health status of the injected persons as prescribed by the doctor.
At the injection point of the Korean International School in Tan Phu Ward, Mr. Cho Eui Kwon, 67 years old, a Korean, said that although he had worked and lived in Ho Chi Minh City for a long time, he was worried, not knowing when he would be vaccinated. “I was quite surprised to be vaccinated today,” he added. “I feel secure when I receive the Moderna vaccine - which is less reactive for the elderly. I am very grateful to the Government of Vietnam for taking care of us, your country is so considerate.”
Sending thanks to the Government of Vietnam and leaders of Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Lee St, a Korean national who was vaccinated at the Phu My Hung Sale Gallery, Tan Phu Ward, shared that he also worried, not knowing when he would get vaccinated because he is a foreigner.
“Many people think that foreigners living in Vietnam will not get the same good medical care as local residents, but now I am really satisfied,” he said. “I want to say thanks to all."
Trinh Kim Nguyen took her husband, Mr. Robert (British nationality), to the injection site in Tan Phong Ward.
"My mother and I have both been vaccinated, but my husband has not been because he is a foreigner. I often go out, so when I go home, I am afraid of infecting my husband. It is very kind of the Vietnamese Government to care about both Vietnamese people and foreigners. After the widespread vaccination, hopefully the city will create herd immunity and push back the pandemic,” said Ms Nguyen.
Medical staff guide foreign citizens living in Vietnam through the procedures to enter the injection area. (Photo: TTO)
Talking to the press, Vo Khac Thai, Secretary of District 7 Party Committee, said that foreigners working in Ho Chi Minh City have contributed a lot to the city’s economy and culture, especially in District 7, so providing for their vaccination is the right thing to do. “Moreover, we care for vaccinating foreigners together with vaccinating the city’s residents to create herd immunity and defeat the pandemic,” he added.
According to Mr. Thai, so far, about 84,298 people in District 7 have been administered vaccines, accounting for 46.83% of the plan.
The district will also organize vaccination for nearly 18,000 foreigners with 106 different nationalities living and working in the district, if they are eligible for vaccination according to the guidance of the Ministry of Health./.