China to supply COVID-19 vaccines cost-free
09 January, 2021
China provides COVID-19 vaccines cost-free once they become available to the general consumer, authorities said on Saturday (Jan 9).
National Health Commission established Zheng Zhongwei said that while manufacturing and transport of vaccines have costs, the government can provide vaccines free of charge to individuals.
"Our people don't have to pay an individual cent for the vaccine," Zheng told a press event in Beijing.
China found in late December approved its first of all vaccine for public use. Three vaccines had recently been directed at limited groups at risky of contamination, including medical workers, via an emergency-use program.
The country widened the inoculation scheme in mid-December to more key organizations such as employees in the meals and community transport sectors, in an effort to stem a resurgence in the wintertime and spring.
Those vaccinations are also free of charge for individuals, said National Health Commission official Zeng Yixin.
"We found that some local governments had charged people charges, (and) we ... demanded instant rectification," Zeng told the briefing, adding that localized governments have since effectively implemented the no cost vaccination policy.
China has administered more than 9 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, Zeng said. Of that total, a lot more than 7 million had been administered since mid-December.
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