China’s Covid-19 vaccine programme is now outpacing the rest of the world following a slow start. The country is currently recording more daily jabs per capita than any other major nation, with 1.41 doses administered for every 100 people on 5 June.
China’s domestic roll-out was delayed by a high number of vaccine exports, with almost one in two doses being sent overseas. Recent outbreaks in the country – which had largely tamed Covid-19 – have driven people to vaccination centres, alongside a publicity campaign by local governments.
The US roll-out has slowed in recent months, ever since officials temporarily paused the Johnson & Johnson vaccine over concerns related to blood clots. The deceleration also reflects the fact many US states are running out of people who want to be vaccinated.
Meanwhile, Europe’s vaccination programme has accelerated, with the bloc now delivering more doses each day than the UK relative to its population.