Prisons in Myanmar has started Covid-19 vaccinations as of July 28, State-run newspapers reported. 

In the first round on July 28, vaccines were administered to 610 prisoners and detainees from Insein Central Prison in Yangon Region and 360 prisoners from Nay Pyi Taw prison.

The Global New Light of Myanmar, the State-run English newspaper, featured some inmates getting vaccinated in Insein prison, among whom was Sean Turnell, detained Australian economic policy advisor to the National League for Democracy government.  

“For Covid-19 vaccines, prisoners from Insein Central Prison started receiving jabs for the first time. No vaccination took place in the first and second waves. Now, there have been no infections in the prison. But we started vaccination as a preventive measure. Those wishing to get vaccinated and all those entitled will receive Covid jabs after lists have been made. Some don’t want to get vaccinated as they have certain health problems. So far, over 2,500 have expressed their wishes for vaccination. They will all receive jabs,” said an official from Insein prison in the State-run newspapers.

 Prison doctors, nurses and other medical staff vaccinated 610 prisoners and detainees including females at Insein prison after conducting prior health checks on them.

More doses will be administered depending of vaccine availability from the ministry of health and sports. 

Insein prison has over 9,000 prisoners and detainees. More than 2,500 have been enlisted for vaccination.

The Prison Department is taking charge of vaccinating the prisoners under the supervision of the ministry.