The National Committee to Combat Covid-19 will discuss with stakeholders on the possibility of administering a fifth dose to frontline workers, as Cambodia records zero cases three days straight.
While Or Vandine – secretary of state at the Ministry of Health and head of the national Covid-19 vaccination committee – did not confirm if a fifth-dose campaign is on the cards, she said the team had studied the likelihood of it happening.
“At this time, I cannot say [anything] because I have to wait for a decision from the meeting which will be convened soon,” she said, adding that the meeting will be chaired by Minister for Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth.
On May 7, Prime Minister Hun Sen encouraged people to get third and fourth doses and that they can get a fifth dose once the national Covid-19 vaccination committee decides.
“Today is the third day that our Kingdom as a whole has no Covid-19 infection. This is a success that comes from the joint effort with our people. So, I must thank the monks and everyone who joined the fight against this virulent disease,” Hun Sen said.
He said vaccination is one of the keys to success. If there was no vaccination, people would surely suffer a similar “catastrophe” as last year.
“This is a big achievement, but I renew my call to the people to be extra careful. We must not allow the disease to return. Hopefully our people will maintain the health measures and learn to live with Covid-19,” Hun Sen said.
Meanwhile, Vandine said despite the success of managing Covid-19, people have to remain vigilant as the pandemic is far from over.
“If we are careless, there is a likelihood of recurrence. We might not have new cases, but the important thing is to ensure community non-infection or recurrence in the community,” she said.
