Macau to launch free voluntary Covid-19 vaccination plan

The Health Bureau has announced a plan to begin vaccinations.

Macau.- The SAR’s Health Bureau has announced a plan for free voluntary vaccinations once it receives Covid-19 vaccines.

Officials said that while the government cannot yet reveal which vaccines it will receive, authorities will make sure the vaccines provided for Macau are safe and effective.

Alvis Lo Iek Long, the clinical director of the public Conde S. Januário Hospital Centre said: “The specific date of vaccine availability is affected by many factors. That includes the clinical study results.

“Although a number of international manufacturers have conducted Phase III clinical trials and some have published interim clinical reports, the final reports have not yet been peer-reviewed and published in academic journals, so we still need time to verify the safety and efficacy.”

Macau has said it hopes to receive vaccines by the end of the year. The SAR’s chief executive has said that the city’s economic recovery depends on the vaccine.

The city has cancelled its traditional New Year firework display, which in the past has attracted around 30.000 to the shoreline of the Macau Peninsula.

Casino operators have been warned by the government to follow guidelines for New Year’s Eve celebrations.