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Beijing (AFP)
China had vaccinated more than 1 billion people, or 78% of its population, in mid-September, according to the Health Ministry, thanks to Chinese vaccines from manufacturers Sinovac and Sinopharm.
But many doubts remain about the efficacy of these vaccines against new variants of the coronavirus.
The first cases of coronavirus emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019.
But since then, China has controlled the epidemic on its territory. In a year, it has only registered two deaths from covid-19 and some sporadic outbreaks, according to official information.
However, a third dose of the vaccine will be proposed to Beijing residents over 18 years of age who have already been fully vaccinated for six months, according to the capital’s official daily Xinjingbao (Beijing News).
The decision coincides with the proximity of the Winter Olympics, to be held from February 4 to 20, 2022, in which athletes will remain in a bubble, totally isolated, and only spectators living in China will be allowed to attend. to competitions.
According to experts, the country has to reach 85% of the vaccinated population to achieve herd immunity. The authorities want to make this goal a reality before the end of the year.
In other Chinese provinces, the application of a third dose of the vaccine has already been announced in recent weeks.
The Chinese policy of “zero infections” has paid off so far and the authorities want to maintain firmness in the controls before the arrival of this sporting event.
These days, five provinces were affected by a small focus of cases, which caused the closure of transport, entertainment venues, schools and tourist sites.
© 2021 AFP
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