Xieng Khuang province is speeding up its Covid-19 vaccination efforts to have at least 80% of its population given at least one dose of Covid-19, 70% given second dose and 30% administered with a booster dose to ensure it can open delayed 11th National Games by the end of this year.

“Our Covid-19 vaccination campaign is in line with the guidance of the government, the Ministry of Health in particular. So far our efforts have been focused on target villages without access to Covid-19 vaccines. We are paying attention to coordination among relevant authorities to make sure people understand and cooperate with us,” said Director of the Xieng Khuang Provincial Health Department Dr. Bouaphan Vongmachan.

Up to 73% of population in the northern province have been given at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine. Meanwhile those given second and booster doses currently represent 61% and 19.2% respectively.

Only 2.2% of population in the province have been given a fourth dose.

Realizing a relatively low vaccination coverage in the province, the Provincial Department of Health has launched a rigorous Covid-19 vaccination campaign this month to have 80% of population in the province fully vaccinated before the beginning of new school year.

As for the coming 11th National Games, to be held by the end of this year, the Health sector and relevant authorities will issue a notice urging local people and visitors to receive at least three doses of Covid-19 vaccine, have temperature check and Covid-19 test before they can be allowed to attend competition venues, according to Dr. Bouaphan.

This visit to Xiengkhouang follows after a briefing in June was held for senior news editor from the media on the current status of COVID-19 vaccination in Lao PDR and how the media can support the national vaccination efforts. This kind of media mission was organized in Savannakhet, Borikhamxay and Khammouane provinces in June and July 2022.

The visit was organized by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Health, with the support of UNICEF. International partners to Lao PDR’s COVID-19 response activities, including UNICEF have consistently provided support in the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines since early 2021 through the COVAX Facility. COVAX is a partnership co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), working in partnership with UNICEF as well as the World Bank, civil society organisations, manufacturers, and others stakeholders.

Source: Lao News Agency