Chinese health officials have announced a drive to accelerate vaccinations of older people against Covid-19, as police patrolled major cities to stamp out protests against the country’s strict zero-Covid policy.
The low vaccination rate among older people is one of the major hurdles to easing the zero-Covid policy, which has eroded economic growth, disrupted the lives of millions, and sparked three days of unprecedented protests.
At a regular press conference on Tuesday, officials said just 76.6% of people over 80 had received two vaccine doses, compared with more than 90% of the general population, and only 65.8% had received a booster jab.
ALSO SEE: Massive coronavirus spike pushes Beijing under lockdown: Is China's Zero Covid Policy a failure?
AND: Analysis: China protests highlight Xi's COVID policy dilemma - to walk it back or not
