A resident receives a COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in Shanghai. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

Shanghai is expected to inoculate all people aged 60 and above with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine by the end of September for free. The measure aims to expand immunization of the population based on the national vaccination plan, the Global Times confirmed on Tuesday.

Data from Shanghai household registration show that elderly population aged 60 and over was around 5.18 million by the end of 2019, accounting for 35.2 percent of the total registered population in the city, according to local civil authorities.

By the end of June, the city is scheduled to have completed administering two doses of the vaccine to occupational groups, and by the end of November, other groups including college students and faculty members, would have received two shots of the vaccine, according to the document. 

Elderly people aged 60 and above are expected to be vaccinated at designated clinics and temporary sites based on arrangements made by the district. The vaccination is free for everyone.

The current vaccination plan covers people 18 to 59 years old but there are questions about vaccination of elderly people as this age group has a higher risk of death and hospitalization if infected with the virus.

Global Times