BEIJING - The State Council, or China's Cabinet, on Wednesday approved a plan to create a national vaccine provision system in order to boost the country's ability to cope with epidemic emergencies.

The plan was passed at a regular meeting held by the State Council and presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.

"Our country's vaccine reserves can meet the basic demands of regular epidemic prevention, but our ability to research, manufacture and preserve supplies for emergencies are inadequate," said a statement released after the meeting.

Although acknowledging vaccination as "one of the most economic and effective measures" to prevent infectious diseases, the statement said that the actual vaccination rate in the country is still comparatively low.

According to the plan, a vaccine provision system that can supply regular use and at the same time greatly boost the country's ability to cope with emergencies should be set up by 2015.

By 2020, the system should be able to cope with emergencies and major epidemic situations as quickly and effectively as those found in developed countries, said the plan.

According to the statement, the country will improve its epidemic monitoring network, strengthen research and development of vaccines against major and new diseases and boost the quantity and quality of vaccine production.

Six types of vaccines are currently included in China's national research and manufacturing schedule, the plan said, adding that about 9.4 billion yuan ($1.45 billion) from the central budget has been allocated to key vaccine-related projects.

The plan also called for wider vaccination coverage and improved vaccine reserves.