China aims to vaccinate 50 million people for Chinese New Year – which begins on January 25

China has set out to vaccinate around 50 million people in priority groups before the chinese New Year travel season starts – which begins on January 25, 2021, the year of the Metal Rat, Agerpres reports, citing Reuters.

According to the cited source, Beijing plans to destroy 100 million doses developed by Chinese companies Sinopharm and Sinovac Biotech.

In fact, China has urgently authorised two vaccines from Sinopharm and one from Sinovac Biotech. A fourth serum, developed by CaSino Biologics, was approved for use in the military.

50 million doses delivered in the next month

The South China Morning Post writes that officials have been asked to enter into contracts to administer the first 50 million doses by January 15, and the other 50 million by February 5.

Chinese officials say it is essential that priority groups (medical personnel, policemen, firefighters, customs officers, baggage handlers, transportation and logistics personnel) be immunized to prevent the spread of the disease before the Chinese New Year week holiday.

Sichuan province could begin vaccinating elderly people and those with chronic diseases early next month after completing its administration to priority groups, Chinese officials said.