Booster shots for children aged five to 11 years in the country are expected to roll out in about two to three months. This comes after the US Food and Drug Administration approved the emergency use of the Pfizer pediatric vaccines for children in this age group.
According to the health ministry, there are more than 83,200 children aged between five and 11 years. More than 97 per cent of the children in this age group have received two doses of the Pfizer pediatric vaccine.
The first dose was given in March while the campaign for the second dose was carried out after a month in April.
The health ministry’s Senior Programme Officer, Sangay Phuntsho, said the tentative dates for the third dose or the booster shots are August or September.
“The Ministry of Health will put up this recommendation with the national experts, we have a national immunisation technical advisory group and will be discussing those recommendations as well,” he said.
He added studies have shown that these vaccines have shown a strong immune response in children. The ministry is also trying to procure the vaccines.
“We are exploring through the support from the Gavi COVAX facility which they have agreed to supply 33,600 doses of Pfizer pediatric doses which we can use as a booster as well,” said Sangay Phuntsho.
“We are also exploring additional support from COVAX as well as bilateral development partners, some countries have already expressed their interest to donate pediatric Pfizer vaccine to Bhutan,” he added.
He said although the US-FDA has recommended at least five months, they will also be taking into consideration the decisions that other countries make. The final decision will be made following approval from the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group.
Choni Dema
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
