More than 85% of China's population has been fully vaccinated, meaning roughly 1.274 billion people, according to a National Health Commission (NHC) announcement.

The 85.64% vaccination rate means that China is approaching "herd immunity," which will reduce the chance of people contracting the virus, the severity of the symptoms, and hospitalizations.

China's high vaccination rate will be tested in the near future, as the country have New Year's celebrations and the Spring Festival travel rush ahead. The travel rush usually lasts for 40 days. 1.48 billion people were recorded in 2020's rush, and this year's number may surpass that. However, officials said that people must not let their guard down, as the pandemic cannot be controlled by vaccinations alone.

The NHC said that China will adhere to its dynamic zero-case policy, whereby outbreaks are suppressed at the fastest speed and at the lowest cost.