OraVacs Vaccination in Sagaing: Over 9,000 receive OraVacs in Sagaing within 2 days

In response to rising public health concerns after the Mandalay earthquake, over 9,000 residents in Sagaing Township received the China-donated OraVacs oral vaccine between May 1 and 2.

The Sagaing District Public Health Department launched the pre-emptive oral cholera vaccination program on May 1st, to protect vulnerable populations living in crowded conditions. The vaccine follows a three-dose regimen administered on day 1, day 7 and day 28.

Deputy District Health Officer, Sagaing District Public Health Department, Dr. Thaw Tar Htet said "The vaccination program will run in three phases: the first round is from May 1st to 7th, the second round begins on May 8th and the third round will start on May 29th. We are prioritizing people in relief camps in earthquake-affected areas. Civil servants and their families, monks and nuns, university and college communities and people in crowded areas are also high on the priority list. In urban wards, we are focusing on vulnerable groups based on specific needs."

Cholera remains a major health threat in post-disaster areas, particularly where sanitation is poor and people are displaced. While OraVacs offers a level of protection, the health officials emphasize that vaccine coverage alone is not enough. Proper hygiene including safe food handling, clean water, hand-washing and sanitary latrine, is essential to control the spread of the disease.

OraVacs is suitable for general use, with exceptions for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, individuals undergoing tuberculosis treatment and those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Recipients are advised to avoid food and drink for two hours after taking the dose to ensure effectiveness.

The vaccination program aims to reach over 38,000 elderly individuals and 5,000 children in the region. The public is urged to participate promptly, particularly those in high-risk areas.