More people vaccinated against Covid-19

Government officials including medical staff have been vaccinated against Covid-19 with 300 people expected to be vaccinated today, including nurses and volunteers.
Key medical workers have been vaccinated following the donation of 2,000 doses of vaccine by China, according to the Ministry of Health.
At-risk groups will be vaccinated first, including medical staff, elderly people, those with a chronic illness, and migrant workers.
None of those vaccinated so far have had any side effects or problematic symptoms.
Speaking at the opening of the Covid-19 vaccination programme on Wednesday,Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Head of the National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, Mr Somdy Duangdy, said all medical staff would be vaccinated to prevent the spread of the virus.
This was because it was possible they had been or could come into direct contact with people infected with the virus.
It was also essential to ensure that medical staff remained in good health so they could care for any future Covid patients, he said.
Minister of Health Associate Prof. Dr Bounkong Syhavong told reporters that other priority groups in line for vaccinations are officials working at land border crossings and airports, and elderly people living in at-risk communities such as border areas where there have been reports of illegal migration.
Vaccination coverage is expected to rise to 50 percent of the Lao population by 2022 and to 70 percent in 2023, with more people to be vaccinated in the following years, he said.
Laos also expects to receive Covid-19 vaccines from the Gavi COVAX Facility – an initiative working to ensure global equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines.
The vaccines funded by the COVAX Facility are expected to be administered in April, according to the Ministry of Health.
Dr  Somvay  Ongkhammy, who cared for Covid patients at Mittaphab Hospital, said he had been vaccinated during the second round of immunisation.
He had experienced no side effects and was pleased to be a part of the nationwide effort to prevent the spread of the virus.
All vaccines take time to provide immunity and no vaccine can be guaranteed to provide total immunity in every individual, he said. This means it is possible for someone to fall ill even after being vaccinated.
He encouraged everyone to be immunised as soon as they were offered the vaccine.
Authorities are also considering acquiring the Covid-19 vaccine produced in Russia, and possibly vaccines from China, Germany, Japan and other countries, after they have been approved and certified by the World Health Organisation and other regulators.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update January 28, 2021)