Covid-19 Vaccinations for Children Aged 12 to 17 are being planned in Laos.

Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, the Lao Minister of Health, said health officials hope to vaccinate youngsters aged 12 to 17 years in the near future in order to reopen schools.

He made the remarks during a press conference held yesterday by the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control.

Since the new wave of Covid-19 began, schools across Vientiane and a number of provinces have been closed, with pupils studying remotely or online.

However, authorities have acknowledged that many kids have difficulty accessing or utilising online learning resources.

Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith remarked, “After the lockdown is lifted, we urge all citizens to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

He continued, "We have a plan to vaccinate children aged 12 to 17 so that schools and educational facilities can resume."

Authorities have already authorized vaccinations for students in their final year of secondary school or people aged 17 and up who will travel for the purpose of education or who are preparing for tertiary entrance examinations at universities or other educational institutions, according to a notice issued by the Ministry of Health last week.

Women who are more than 12 weeks pregnant can also be vaccinated against Covid-19, according to the notification.

Meanwhile, the ministry has banned any third Covid-19 vaccine “booster” shots until the whole eligible population has been vaccinated.