Vietnam has approved Johnson & Johnson's Janssen Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use, as the country tries to boost supplies at a time of record numbers of new infections, Reuters reports.

The approval of the vaccine, the sixth brand to be endorsed in the country, is part of Vietnam's efforts to expedite its inoculations programme amid its worst outbreak so far.

Vietnam has reported a record 3,416 new cases, its biggest daily increase and above Wednesday's record high of 2,934. Most of those are in Ho Chi Minh City, the epicentre, which has been under stricter movement curbs since last week.

Vials labelled "Covid-19 Coronavirus Vaccine" and a syringe are seen in front of a displayed Johnson & Johnson logo. — Reuters/File
Vials labelled "Covid-19 Coronavirus Vaccine" and a syringe are seen in front of a displayed Johnson & Johnson logo. — Reuters/File

Opinion

Editorial

Budget presser
Updated 14 Jun, 2026

Budget presser

If the FBR falters, the government will find itself in hot water sooner rather than later.
Muharram precautions
14 Jun, 2026

Muharram precautions

WITH Muharram due to start next week, the authorities have already begun annual exercises to ensure that the ...
Blood bequests
14 Jun, 2026

Blood bequests

WORLD Blood Donor Day offers a moment of “gratitude, advocacy and renewed commitment” for thalassaemia patients...
Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...