VIENTIANE (XINHUA) – The Lao government will begin a nationwide rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged six to 11 in March in a bid to re-open schools safely, local media reported yesterday.
Local daily Vientiane Times quoted the National Immunisation Programme Deputy Manager Chansai Pathammavong as saying that 957,000 children in the age group will be vaccinated, and it is hoped that the vaccination of young children will encourage other family members to get vaccinated.
The vaccination of children aged six to 11 will begin in Lao capital Vientiane, while provinces that are ready may also go ahead with immunisation, Chansai said.
Inoculations will be given to children only if their parents give their consent.
The health ministry also instructed local authorities and health officials to review the progress made in vaccinating people aged 12 to 17 and to ensure that jabs are administered to those still unvaccinated.
