The province of Shandong in East China recently started offering free COVID-19 vaccinations to local residents as part of the country's vaccination campaign against the virus.

People aged between 18 and 59 can make an appointment for the vaccination using their ID cards at community health centers or workplaces. Each person will receive two doses of a vaccine 21 to 28 days apart.

Students queue to receive COVID-19 vaccine shots at a college in Qingdao West Coast New Area. [Photo/VCG]

People aged above 18, as active participants in social activities, make up the majority of vaccine recipients, said an official from the health authority in Shandong, adding that the province has accelerated COVID-19 vaccine rollouts among priority populations, as well as in key regions and cities.

The province will actively and prudently advance COVID-19 vaccinations for people over 60 and those who have chronic disease based on the effectiveness of the country's mass vaccination campaign.

According to experts from the National Health Commission, vaccinations are the most effective way to control the COVID-19 epidemic. However, experts also urged people to strictly follow prevention measures, including wearing masks in public, hand washing, social distancing, and avoiding mass gatherings to prevent virus transmission.