Laos to receive Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine

VIENTIANE (Xinhua): Some 100,620 doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine are expected to arrive in Laos in the coming days, according to the Lao Ministry of Health.

The Pfizer vaccine, which is supplied by the UN-led Covax Facility, requires specialised Ultra Cold Chain storage conditions to preserve it and keep it viable, according to a statement by Center of Information and Education for Health under the Lao Ministry of Health on Tuesday (June 1).

In preparation for the arrival of the vaccine, the National Immunisation Programme has been given three freezers capable of storing vaccine.

Laos will roll out vaccinations with the Pfizer vaccine to three priority groups, including medical personnel, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses.

The National Immunization Programme has been working on Covid-19 vaccine distribution across Laos.

As of Sunday, a total of 885,694 doses have been distributed to target populations across the country.

The Lao Ministry of Health is planning to vaccinate 50 per cent of the country's 7.2 million population by the end of 2021.

Covid-19 vaccines used in Laos so far included Sputnik V, Sinopharm, and AstraZeneca.