Interested in a free Covid vaccine like Moderna?

Where's the irony? 

First, we're not living in the States, so whatever perks (such as free vaccination) we would've had in the States do not apply to us in Vietnam. 

Second, the US Embassy is not the only one telling their expats in VN that they're on their own in regards to vaccination.

Third, the US donated the vaccine to Vietnamese people.  They didn't do that so American expats, who can pay for the vaccine themselves, can jump in and claim their shares. 

Fourth, aside from the Chinese government who demands that their donation of Made in China vaccine must be prioritised for Chinese who live in Vietnam, I don't know anyone who does the same thing.  Japanese expats do not demand to be vaccinated with the donation from Japan.  The COVAX nations that donate 38M doses to VN this month are not even naming themselves as donors, thus there's no chance for their expats in VN to claim the shares.

Fifth, who amongst American expats will follow the Chinese footsteps to demand priority over the citizens of their host country, people who have been out of work for 18 months and could barely support themselves, let alone fighting American expats in the vaccination queue?

Sixth, if you truly "know some contacts in the VN government", you wouldn't need to ask us to start a petition with the US government.  Why not having your contact arrange "at least a priority" for yourself to be vaccinated?

I don't know about other American expats, but my husband and I are not interested in taking 2 priority spots and 2 free doses (actually, it would be 4 doses) from the locals who are much less fortunate than we.  We're perfectly OK waiting until the vaccine arrive in our town, then pay for our shots.

Ciambella wrote:

Where's the irony? 

First, we're not living in the States, so whatever perks (such as free vaccination) we would've had in the States do not apply to us in Vietnam. 

Second, the US Embassy is not the only one telling their expats in VN that they're on their own in regards to vaccination.

Third, the US donated the vaccine to Vietnamese people.  They didn't do that so American expats, who can pay for the vaccine themselves, can jump in and claim their shares. 

Fourth, aside from the Chinese government who demands that their donation of Made in China vaccine must be prioritised for Chinese who live in Vietnam, I don't know anyone who does the same thing.  Japanese expats do not demand to be vaccinated with the donation from Japan.  The COVAX nations that donate 38M doses to VN this month are not even naming themselves as donors, thus there's no chance for their expats in VN to claim the shares.

Fifth, who amongst American expats will follow the Chinese footsteps to demand priority over the citizens of their host country, people who have been out of work for 18 months and could barely support themselves, let alone fighting American expats in the vaccination queue?

Sixth, if you truly "know some contacts in the VN government", you wouldn't need to ask us to start a petition with the US government.  Why not having your contact arrange "at least a priority" for yourself to be vaccinated?

I don't know about other American expats, but my husband and I are not interested in taking 2 priority spots and 2 free doses (actually, it would be 4 doses) from the locals who are much less fortunate than we.  We're perfectly OK waiting until the vaccine arrive in our town, then pay for our shots.

Understand that reality hurts but honesty is the best policy right … so here goes …

China came out with something called the “Spring Sprout” program to vaccinate all its citizens overseas to protect n prevent them from bringing covid back to the motherland should they choose to return home for safety n other reasons

details here
China's 'Spring Sprout' campaign vaccinates its people in Thailand - World - Chinadaily.com.cn

This program is also used to vaccinate residents from the respective host countries participating in the program who intend to travel to China for work or study  ..

In order to encourage host governments to co-operate, the quantity of vaccines sent is always in excess of what is required to vaccinate Chinese citizens abroad to  create a win win for all by leaving surplus vacc for local usage

According to a 2018 census, the number of foreigners living in VN is about 100k .
A report on Jun 2017 listed the no at 83.500 as detailed here …

Number of foreign workers in Vietnam on the rise - Global Expat Recruiting


These days, there r lots of Koreans n Russians around so even if we peg the Chinese expat nos at 50k , 50,000 individuals will only require 100k vac,

China donated 500k vaccs, so this leaves 400k vaccs for VN ‘s usage .. 
So truly, is this something to be encouraged or condemned !!  … ha

details here …
China-donated Covid-19 vaccines and syringes arrive at Vietnam airport | The Star

An important role of any govt must be to look after the welfare of its citizens regardless if they were back home or abroad ..

What China is doing is simply called Efficient Planning n Forward Thinking.
It kills three birds with one stone with this initiative by taking care of its citizens abroad, helping to curb covid spread n helping to provide covid relief for the host country

The world will surely be a better place if we have more countries acting likewise

As always, a little research n effort made to seek out the truth goes a long way to separate conjecture from fact

PTTL:  Take a look at my post here:   https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … =4#5161158  The way to effect change will not be through the Vietnamese government but through the US.  Right now, the US government has made a conscious decision to not vaccinate expats in all countries, not only Vietnam.  This is despite the fact that they are vaccinating Embassy/Consulate personnel.  Send a letter to your senator and see if he is onboard with the proposal from Murphy and Moran.  Another letter to Sec. State Blinken wouldn't hurt.  We know they don't really read these letters but their staffs count them and give the principals totals for each concept.

By the way, there is no "free" vaccine.  The US government pays Pfizer, Moderna and J&J for the vaccines.  The only concession the companies have made has been to provide at cost units to be sent overseas to poorer countries.  Pfizer reported $3.5 billion in sales of their vaccine in only the first three months of 2021.

if you really want a vaccine then just pay for it to get priority access. unfortunately embassy's are not in the role of helping people.

My home country,Australia, just sent hunderds of thousands doses to Indonesia. Yet, they cant vaccinate their own citizens overseas. Countries such as mine and most developed countries are too busy arse kissing and being PC to worry about their own citizens.

This link, unrelated to vaccinations, pretty well sums up how things are pathetic 1st world countries have become.

China can get things done.

I don't think Vietnam has reached the point where you can pay for a vaccine.  They are still in very short supply -- only about 6 million doses received. 

Persons with chronic diseases, those aged over 65, residents in pandemic-hit areas, low-income people, policy beneficiaries, food sellers, traders in markets, builders, religious dignitaries and informal workers currently have priority, along with localities such as industrial parks and clusters, border areas, international border gates and areas currently having outbreaks.  The 70% target has been moved to early 2022.

https://sports.yahoo.com/vietnam-sets-c … 07004.htmlhttps://vietnam.vnanet.vn/english/more- … 91657.html

dionstravels wrote:

if you really want a vaccine then just pay for it to get priority access. unfortunately embassy's are not in the role of helping people.

There is no priority access for paid customers.  One must wait until the vaccine comes to one's city (the quantity is based on pre-order from the local authority)  and then wait again for one's turn. 

From the official document sent to us a month ago, when it's available, the local health department will notify people; we'll register as "commit to purchase", then they'll notify us when it's our turn.

yeah officially they don't want to piss anyone off, but unofficially you can pay for it.

dionstravels wrote:

yeah officially they don't want to piss anyone off, but unofficially you can pay for it.

Is this comment a reply to my post?  If it was, you should've indicated that by using the Quote function.  It's not a good use of anyone's time to be in a conversation with people who talk to the void.

"Officially, they don't want to piss anyone off":  Are we living in the same country?  When was the last time the government hesitated about "pissing off" anyone, especially when the "anyone" is just some foreigners who are here on borrowed time?

"Unofficially, you can pay for it":  Have you known a foreigner who has successfully paid to have priority access to the vaccine?

if I didn't add a quote then it means I'm responding to the previous post, and the answer is yes.

dionstravels wrote:

the answer is yes.

Yes to both questions?  Prove it.

***

When they post for registrations in your area are foreigners supposed to register?  Apparently they are rolling out some vaccines in pandemic areas.

mtgmike wrote:

When they post for registrations in your area are foreigners supposed to register?  Apparently they are rolling out some vaccines in pandemic areas.

If the registration is vaccination, then it's open to both foreigners and locals.  You're not supposed to do anything; only register if you wish to be vaccinated.

dionstravels wrote:

****

Good Lord.  Hiring a lawyer to see if you can buy your way into something that is yet to be available to many people who *truly* have urgent needs!  How some expats hold on to the belief that the colour of their passport means they're better than the citizens of their host country.

I'm out of this conversation with you.  Goodbye.

Ciambella wrote:

mtgmike wrote:

When they post for registrations in your area are foreigners supposed to register?  Apparently they are rolling out some vaccines in pandemic areas.

If the registration is vaccination, then it's open to both foreigners and locals.  You're not supposed to do anything; only register if you wish to be vaccinated.

Okay, thank you.  My wife registered me along with herself and her family.  Hopefully all goes well.

mtgmike wrote:

Okay, thank you.  My wife registered me along with herself and her family.  Hopefully all goes well.

It'll be.  The government is making attempt to show that it doesn't discriminate against foreigners in regards to vaccination, so when the vaccine is available in any area and announcement goes out, it applies to all legal residents, and you're one.

"At a regular press conference on June 24, Lê Thị Thu Hằng, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed: 'In the matter of vaccination and health care, Vietnam does not discriminate against foreigners who are living, studying, and working in Vietnam'.

Ms. Thu Hằng added that Vietnam is reaching out to many subjects as possible to achieve herd immunity and return to normal life.

'To create community immunity, foreign citizens will be facilitated for vaccination when Vietnam receives more COVID-19 vaccines,' said Thu Hằng."

Source: Vaccination for foreigners

Edit to add: 

@mtgmike:  If you're over 65, they will not give you the shot at the same time with your wife.  They'll give you an appointment to have it done at a hospital where medical personnel observe your body's reaction to the shot and give you treatment if needed.

PTTL wrote:

Hello everyone,

USA just sent Vietnam 2 millions Moderna vaccine: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/us-se … 05076.html
I checked the US Embassy website and it said we're on our own when it comes to COVID vaccine. It seems ironic that if we are in the States, we have no problem getting it free, but over here in Vietnam, good luck if any of those 2 millions vaccine donation gets to us.

Can we join together to petition the US Embassy or government to contact Vietnam to allow us at least a priority in this Moderna vaccine donation from USA?. Anyone?. I am willing to volunteer since I know some contacts in the VN government.

Best Regards,

Lets also make a stop in Africa and take some of the donated meals away from the locals...

Don't forget you still have the option of flying back stateside and get your free shot. If you're so desperately want a shot or two. Until then mask up and stay indoor.

QuidProQuo wrote:

Don't forget you still have the option of flying back stateside and get your free shot. If you're so desperately want a shot or two. Until then mask up and stay indoor.

The problem with that is that you still cannot get back into Vietnam. 

That is my plan once my lease expires, but I will be going back permanently then.  If I could have gotten back into Vietnam, I would have gone to the US for shots months ago.

dionstravels wrote:

***

It's not a rule but it is rather déclassé to like your own posts.

THIGV wrote:

dionstravels wrote:

***

It's not a rule but it is rather déclassé to like your own posts.

TMTOYH? 

Anyway, I think he was liking the fact that Diksha moderated him.

A masochistic troll?

I could fly back to the USA and get the shot but then will i be let back in vietnam? I don't think it is worth the risk of not being let back in or getting it on the plane. what would i do with my motorbike? how would i get to the airport since there are no taxis? nothing makes sense but to hunker down.

exstam1 wrote:

I could fly back to the USA and get the shot but then will i be let back in vietnam? I don't think it is worth the risk of not being let back in or getting it on the plane. what would i do with my motorbike? how would i get to the airport since there are no taxis? nothing makes sense but to hunker down.

1- You will not be able to get back.
2- You can sell your motorbike before leaving.  It's not a dilemma.  Selling off heavy things, extra things, cumbersome things, etc. is what people do in relocation when they cannot take everything with them.
3- There'll be transportation to take you to the airport.  Travelling for pleasure or for work is not allowed, but repatriation is an essential activity.

colinoscapee wrote:

My home country,Australia, just sent hunderds of thousands doses to Indonesia. Yet, they cant vaccinate their own citizens overseas. Countries such as mine and most developed countries are too busy arse kissing and being PC to worry about their own citizens.

This link, unrelated to vaccinations, pretty well sums up how things are pathetic 1st world countries have become.

China can get things done.

The Australian Embassy appears to only want to do business here, promoting wine and beef especially as the Chinese have embargoed it!
They honestly don't give two shats about us, in fact they want to penalise us for leaving the country!

1- You will not be able to get back.
2- You can sell your motorbike before leaving.  It's not a dilemma.  Selling off heavy things, extra things, cumbersome things, etc. is what people do in relocation when they cannot take everything with them.
3- There'll be transportation to take you to the airport.  Travelling for pleasure or for work is not allowed, but repatriation is an essential activity.


Yes, no 1. is why i won't go. the question about the motorbike and transportation to the airport were sorta...rhetorical....

Replying to zest123: Spoken like a true China patriot. Could China be trying to make amends?

Even if you want to pay for the vaccine, it's impossible to get it.

Kito Pereyra wrote:

Even if you want to pay for the vaccine, it's impossible to get it.

Of course you will be able to buy it... At a premium. There have already been posts in here from "doctors" or other medical professionals claiming to be able to prove the vaccine at a price..

You have to message direct to find the prices 😁

Speaking as an American, I completely agree with what Ciambella said.

I did it already but everything sounds murky , to say the less....

[Post under review]

haot5724 wrote:

....

This announcement was already posted here a few weeks ago for French citizens who speak English, as well as on the French language forum for French citizens who rather converse in French.  Writing it in Vietnamese simply doesn't make sense, and in addition, a violation of Forum Code of Conduct.

Remember that in the US only pfizer moderna and j&j vaccines are approved,not astrazeneca
In europe all those 4 vaccines are approved
So if u get vaccinated in vietnam with local vaccine or sinovac it will not be recognised back home.
Even mixing vaccines is not recognised also….

Very surprising to hear this. In the states and Canada they are offering free donuts, beer and ice cream if you take it. I suffer with allergies to polyethalene glycol which means I cant take pfizer or moderna but the johnson is an option if like me you have allergies and want some free food (if you live in the US). I wouldnt think it will be long before more vaccine choice is available in vn.

SergGugu wrote:

Remember that in the US only pfizer moderna and j&j vaccines are approved,not astrazeneca
In europe all those 4 vaccines are approved
So if u get vaccinated in vietnam with local vaccine or sinovac it will not be recognised back home.
Even mixing vaccines is not recognised also….

What do you mean by "recognized"?  Approval in the USA only means that the vaccine can be administered there.  It says nothing about whether non-approved vaccinations in other places will be recognized as valid in the US.  I imagine there will be no problem at all because the US just wants a larger study with more patients over 65.  They are not claiming the virus does not work.

paulmsn wrote:

SergGugu wrote:

Remember that in the US only pfizer moderna and j&j vaccines are approved,not astrazeneca
In europe all those 4 vaccines are approved
So if u get vaccinated in vietnam with local vaccine or sinovac it will not be recognised back home.
Even mixing vaccines is not recognised also….

What do you mean by "recognized"?  Approval in the USA only means that the vaccine can be administered there.  It says nothing about whether non-approved vaccinations in other places will be recognized as valid in the US.  I imagine there will be no problem at all because the US just wants a larger study with more patients over 65.  They are not claiming the virus does not work.

Numerous countries are saying they wont accept people who are vaccinated with certain vaccines such as the Chinese and Indian ones. At present the USA seems to accept all of them.

colinoscapee wrote:

Numerous countries are saying they wont accept people who are vaccinated with certain vaccines such as the Chinese and Indian ones. At present the USA seems to accept all of them.

I don't think anyone is suspicious of AstraZeneca other than the blood clot issue.  I think since the first Vietnamese-created vaccine uses lab-created spike proteins, there will be no problem with it, either, assuming the phase three trials show it is effective. 

The EU may yet approve the Sinovac vaccine , but it is not looking as effective as other vaccines, at 51% according to WHO.  I wouldn't take it unless I could get nothing else.  It is rated 100% effective at preventing serious disease, though.