Ministry of Health spokeswoman Or Vandine – who is also the head of the national Covid-19 vaccination committee – reminded the public on April 18 to get vaccinated with booster shots, both third and fourth doses.
“After the traditional Khmer New Year holiday, medics from the Ministry of National Defence, medical youth volunteers and medical workers in some provinces will start administering vaccinations at some important locations,” she said.
Vandine said in a notice that medics from the defence ministry will start giving vaccinations in Phnom Penh and the provinces of Kandal, Kampong Speu, Battambang and Banteay Meanchey.
Medical youth volunteers will provide vaccination services in Kampong Cham, Kampot, Prey Veng, Kampong Chhnang, Tbong Khmum, Kampong Thom, Pursat, Svay Rieng, Stung Treng and Kratie provinces.
Medical staffs from provincial health departments in 10 provinces will also provide vaccination services at some important locations such as factories, markets and schools to encourage people to get their third or fourth dose.
Vandine said the existing vaccination sites at state-run health facilities in the capital and 24 provinces will continue to be open as usual regardless of holidays or weekends.
“People, workers, children, youth, please hurry up and get your booster shot when your turn comes to boost your immunity as well as the herd immunity in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and reduce the severity of the disease and death caused by Omicron or other variants,” she said.
Separately, Minster of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron instructed all rectors, directors of higher education institutions, and heads of training colleges and education departments to encourage their staff and students to get vaccinated from base shots to booster doses.
“The ministry requests cooperation … to provide vaccinations for students at health facilities near schools and education institutions from April onward,” Chuon Naron said.
Cambodia has already achieved a very high vaccination rate with nearly 93 per cent of the population of around 16 million covered. The health ministry said 8.1 million people have been vaccinated with third doses, while 1.2 million others had received their fourth.