Booster urges echoed as JN.1 strain appears

AUTHORITIES in several provinces have resumed their calls for the public to receive Covid-19 vaccination booster shots, while noting that a recent cluster of cases of the new Omicron variant JN.1 does not pose a great concern.

In Mondulkiri province, the provincial health department is planning a booster drive for all civil servants and members of the public. The department has called for those who have previously been inoculated to bring along their vaccination and ID cards.

A January 2 announcement said the vaccinations will be administered at schools and public offices across the province from January 5-8.

“We expect that all students and civil servants will come to get booster shots, in order to protect their health and play their part in contributing to the prevention of the spread of the new Covid-19 variant,” it added.

Similar calls were made in Koh Kong province. Deputy provincial governor Sok Sothy issued a January 3 reminder that the residents of the province can receive their inoculations at many of the health centres and hospitals in Koh Kong.

“Our vaccination process is just like it was in 2023. People can get their boosters at several designated health centres and hospitals,” he said.

He called on people to get the jab, no matter whether it will be their first, second, or even sixth. The sixth round has just begun for those who have had their fifth booster.

Banteay Meanchey authorities also called for all residents to come forward and get vaccinated.

Cambodia recently discovered several cases of a new variant, identified as Omicron JN.1. The Ministry of Health described the effects of the variant as mild.

Regardless, the ministry reminded people to remain vigilant and take precautions against the virus.