The government is working towards making flu vaccine available to everyone from next year. The initiative is upon the Royal Command of His Majesty The King.
Influenza vaccination or flu shots are vaccines that protect against infection by influenza viruses. It was introduced in the country last year for five identified high-risk groups comprising pregnant women, children less than 24 months, elderly above 65 years, people with chronic medical conditions and healthcare workers. However, the government shared that the vaccine will be made available to every citizen from next year.
“After receiving Royal Command, we are considering flu vaccine for everyone from next year onwards. Because ordinary flu will complicate or mix with other flu-like symptoms like in the present case, it is COVID-19. That is why the Health Ministry is working towards providing the service from next year,” said Dr Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry had been stocking up essential medicines across the country enough to last for nine months in case of a worst-case scenario.
“Even amidst COVID-19 lockdown, we anticipate that these services will be provided to our people with no disruption. And I would also like to take a moment to brief the press here that in line with that vision, to provide people-centred care, we have also stocked up all our essential medicines in all the 20 districts. As of now, we have a stock of 9 months of essential medicines and we are working very closely with our partners such as UNICEF to continue with the immunization programmes,” said Dechen Wangmo, the Health Minister.
Lyonpo added that since the elderly population are the most vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, they will be given priority in case the country has to lock down due to COVID-19. Health Ministry has listed 53,000 elderly across the country, 7,006 elderly in the four thromdes, and 4,800 comorbidity cases.
People are also asked to avail themselves of the health services such as immunizations of children. Lyonpo said people should not skip the routine immunizations in fear of the COVID-19 situation.
Tshering Dendup
