Covid-19 vaccination in Hanoi

Hanoi’s Nam Tu Liem district on Sept. 11 morning gave the coronavirus vaccine to all foreigners living in the area. The vaccination campaign is part of Hanoi’s effort “not to leave anyone behind in the Covid-19 fight”, which promotes international solidarity spirit.

Foreign vaccine recipients were reportedly given thorough on-site guides from volunteers, including personal information declaration, coronavirus screening, and general health check.

An expat declaring his personal information before getting the injection. Photo: Vietnam Times

Expats wait in line for their turn. Photo: Vietnam Times

“When the whole nation is joining hands to fight the coronavirus, we expats are not left behind. Local authorities still take care of us,” Joshua David Kanda, a Nigerian student at FPT Univesity, told Vietnam Times. Kanda has been living in Vietnam for 8 years.

He expressed his gratitude to Vietnam for giving him the chance to get inoculated. “Hopefully the vaccine will take effect quickly, and Vietnam will soon return to normal.”

Joshua David Kanda shows his vaccination certificate. Photo: Vietnam Times

Meanwhile, Lee Hoa, a Korean expat of My Dinh 1 district, also got the vaccine Saturday morning. She said Vietnamese authorities had always given her proper care and support since the pandemic broke out.

“All Covid-related information, including that of vaccination, is updated on Zalo and Facebook page. We are able to stay informed. I also know about today’s vaccination thanks to official notifications on social media,” Hoa said. “I’m very grateful, satisfied and feel more reassured. Thank you for everything.”

Lee Hoa looks happy after getting his first jab. Photo: Vietnam Times

Lamha Richard, from Guinea, was impressed with the quick procedure, which only took him half an hour from queuing to getting the jab. He said the staff gave him detailed guides.

“We are fortunate to be vaccinated today, which gives us a peace of mind during this complicated pandemic. Thank doctors, nurses, police, military personnel and volunteers for keeping everyone safe and healthy,’ Richard was quoted.

Lamha Richard. Photo: Vietnam Times

Covid-19 vaccination in HCMC

The vaccination effort has been also ongoing in HCMC – Vietnam’s current biggest Covid-19 hotspot. In August, some expats were already inoculated, which they said was a ticket to return to normal life and a great source of encouragement.

Chuck Marion was among many foreigners in HCMC to be injected with the Covid-19 vaccine in the city’s 5th nationwide vaccine rollout in early August.

“I’m super happy. I can’t help but feel excited that I’m going to get the vaccine,” he told Zing News. The American expat has been working in Vietnam for almost 10 years.

“I know the frontline workers or those with underlying diseases will be prioritized. Some of my friends who are teachers have also been immunized,” Marion said. “I feel comfortable waiting. And now, it’s my turn.”

Marion walked out of the post-vaccination room in Thao Dien Special Education School, showing his vaccine certificate with a smile.

Chuck Marion and his girlfriend at the vaccination site. Photo: Zing

Other expats also showed excitement after they got the first injection. Some called their family to inform them of good news.

Simon Stansfield, from Australia, also got his first Covid-19 injection at the vaccination site in Thao Dien Special Education School.

“I’ve been waiting for the shot for a long time. I have cardiac problems, therefore the sooner I’m vaccinated, the better,” Stansfield said.

The expat moved to Vietnam eight years ago and is managing a chain of coffee shops at airports across Vietnam. His business, however, was heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Many of his business trips were canceled because he wasn’t vaccinated.

“It’s a relief I finally get the vaccine. I could protect myself, my family, and get back to work,” he said. “I appreciate the Vietnamese government and people for giving me such an opportunity.”

Simon Stansfield said he appreciated the Vietnamese government for giving him the chance to be vaccinated. Photo: Zing

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