The COVID-19 virus is still spreading around the world. It hangs over all of us. But some good news about vaccines (疫苗) for COVID-19 is bringing us closer to ending this terrible pandemic.
On Dec.8, the UK rolled out (推出)a vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech. The US 1 its own COVID-19 vaccine rollout nationwide on Dec.14, Xinhua reported.
China will start vaccinating highrisk groups over the winter, Zeng Yixin, deputy head of the National Health Commission(NHC,国家卫生健康委员会),said at a press conference2Dec. 19.
This means that those who work in the coldchain industry, healthcare, customs(海关), seafood markets3public transportation are among those who will receive the vaccine first. Their work puts them at 4 risk of being infected(感染).
This is the first step in China's COVID19 vaccination plan, Zeng said. As more vaccines are approved (批准) and5, elderly people, people with underlying conditions(基础疾病)and the general public will receive vaccines in an orderly manner.
China's COVID-19 vaccines can offer effective 6 for at least six months, Zeng7.Vaccination trials(实验) have shown that the vaccines are safe and effective.
As for those who are not among the first to receive vaccines, officials at the NHC said there's no need8. "Wearing masks in public places, practicing social distance and washing hands are protective9that have been proven to be very 10," said Cui Gang, a senior NHC official.
