Prime Minister Hun Sen has permitted Covid-19 vaccinations for over 1.8 million children aged 6-11 across the country from September 17 in order for them to return to school after a long hiatus.

Hun Sen also hinted that vaccinations for the 3-6 age group will follow in the near future.

In an audio message addressed to all municipal and provincial governors on September 15, he said schools at all levels will be able to reopen.

The prime minister noted that Covid-19 vaccinations for these age groups have already been carried out in some countries.

“According to the figure that I've received from [Minister of Economy and Finance] Aun Pornmonirath, there are just more than 1.8 million of children [aged 6-11]. So, I've decided to start another campaign on Friday to vaccinate them after nearly completing vaccinations for the [12-17] age group,” he said.

Chinese-made Sinovac vaccines will be used for this age group, he said.

Cambodia kicked off vaccinations for children aged 12-17 on August 1.