[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] Chinese epidemic prevention authorities announced that they will actively utilize big data to strengthen COVID-19 vaccination for the elderly.
On the 29th, according to China Central (CC) TV, the State Council's COVID-19 Joint Response Team held a press conference and stated, "Each region must actively use databases (DB) such as health insurance to accurately identify the number of vaccination targets aged 60 and above," urging support for elderly vaccination at nursing homes, rest stops, care facilities, senior universities, senior activity centers, and elderly entertainment venues. The scope of those who can refuse vaccination was limited to those with allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock or laryngeal edema, cancer patients, hypertension patients, and those with autoimmune neurological diseases.
The State Council said, "All regions must increase the vaccination rate for the elderly aged 60 and above," emphasizing, "Especially, full vaccination and strengthening of vaccination for those aged 80 and above must be well carried out." They particularly stressed, "Vaccines reduce the risk of severe worsening or death in the elderly," and urged, "Vaccinate as many as possible and fulfill management responsibilities through government leadership and interdepartmental coordination."
According to local authorities, among China's 1.4 billion population, the booster shot vaccination rate reaches 90%, but this figure decreases as age increases. The booster shot vaccination rate for those aged 60 and above is 86%, and for those aged 80 and above, it is about 65.7%. The rate for children under 10 who received booster shots is only 40%.
The announcement did not include plans related to the easing of epidemic prevention or reopening that the market had expected. However, since China has previously cited low elderly vaccination rates and insufficient hospital beds and medical services as key reasons for difficulty in easing epidemic prevention, this measure to accelerate vaccination for the elderly is analyzed as a preparatory step for lowering epidemic prevention levels.
In fact, before and after the State Council's announcement, the Chinese stock market has been rising amid expectations of easing epidemic prevention. As of 15:49 (local time), the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index rose 3.79% compared to the previous day, the Hong Kong H-Share Index composed of mainland Chinese companies jumped 4.61%, the Shanghai Composite Index increased by 2.31%, and the Shenzhen Composite Index rose by 2.14%.
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