Amid increasing concerns and apprehensions on the mix-and-match approach of vaccination against COVID-19, a Press Release from the Prime Minister’s Office recommends taking Moderna vaccine as a second dose. According to the release, studies have proven that taking a different vaccine for different doses develops stronger immunity against the virus. However, the government will also provide choices for vaccines.
Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering, along with a team of volunteers will receive the Moderna vaccine as their second dose tomorrow. Lyonchhen will share his personal experiences with the public after receiving the vaccine tomorrow.
According to the prime minister, all vaccines that have emergency use approval are equally safe. And the government is recommending the public to take different vaccines for different doses based on the safety and protective strength of the vaccines. This is also because series of discussions held among experts find out the same.
The release also states that countries like Canada, most Scandinavian countries, Germany, Spain, Australia, and France have adopted the mix-and-match approach. And the results have been a huge success.
However, for those who insist to get the same vaccine as their first dose, the AstraZeneca vaccine will also be made available.
Due to the availability of vaccines, the release also states that first-timers can choose to receive either AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, or Moderna. After a gap of four to 16 weeks, they can also either receive the same vaccine or choose a mix-and-match approach.
According to the release, to cover children between 12 and 17 years, residents of Phuentshogling and Samtse, and those travelling abroad for treatment and studies, a separate package of the limited stock of the Pfizer vaccine is being designed.
Meanwhile, the government encourages everyone to come forward for vaccination to achieve “herd immunity” faster. 80 percent of the total population has to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.
Kinzang Lhadon,
Edited by Chakyu
