Phnom Penh: Parents be ready. Prime Minister Hun Sen has confirmed that Cambodia will vaccinate children aged between 12 and 17. In a speech on Friday morning, the Prime Minister says the country will need an additional four million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to inoculate 2 million children in the age group. He emphasized that vaccinating children was not just about building herd immunity, but also to prepare for the reopening of schools.

Children are eager to go back to school – their parents are perhaps even more so. They say learning is just not the same online, but they could soon be out of the house and back in class. The Prime Minister has approved vaccines for those aged between 12 and 17.

EAC News took to the streets of Phnom Penh to ask children how they felt about getting vaccinated. It seems they have mixed feelings. While some were excited, others were nervous about needles. The Prime Minister has stressed that vaccinations will be voluntary. Phnom Penh and Kandal will be first, followed by Preah Sihanouk. Still to be decided though, exactly when vaccinations for children will begin.

As of Thursday, 54.17% of the 10 million-adults target have received one dose of vaccine. Just over 4 million adults have been fully vaccinated. For Cambodia’s 2-million teenagers, another 4-million doses of vaccine will need to be secured.