The booster dose for people under the priority group started in the country today. More than 31,000 people were vaccinated across the country on the first day. Around 220,000 people from across the country are expected to receive the booster dose during the week-long campaign.
The vaccination programme started today from 9 in the morning. The health ministry is giving out Pfizer and Astra-Zeneca vaccines as booster shots to the priority group.
Residents in high-risk areas above the age of 18 years, people with serious medical conditions, elders above the age of 65 years, outbound travellers above 18 years and all health workers will receive the booster shots.
Although the country is yet to detect any Omicron cases so far, this campaign is expected to keep the new variant of the coronavirus at bay.
“Even though if it is not 100 per cent effective against the emerging variant, lots of studies have indicated that having the third or booster dose has great benefit in preventing the transmission of the new variant,” said Sangay Phuntsho, the Senior Programme Officer of the Dept. of Public Health.
With the omicron variant known to be more transmissible than the other variants, people said the booster shots will help them feel more secure.
“I am 65 years old and I am undergoing treatment now. If I get myself a booster shot it will help me stay safe,” said Sangay, a resident of Thimphu. “Moreover, I will also feel secure since the virus is easily transmissible to old people and those with chronic medical conditions.”
The booster shots are being given through the campaign mode in the high-risk areas and at health centres and hospitals in the rest of the country.
Choni Dema
Edited by Sonam
