Health Minister Dechen Wangmo called on officials in Pema Gatshel to prioritise awareness on COVID-19 vaccination programme. More than 80 per cent of the population in the dzongkhag have registered for the vaccination programme so far. Of it 21 people opted not to take the jab.
The Health Minister said if more people refuse to take the jab it could pose a risk of an outbreak in schools.
“If someone who has not vaccinated contracts the virus and spreads the infection in schools, we will have to close the school. And it will be very difficult if they contract the new variants of the virus. There are more than 160,000 students in the schools today”, said the health minister.
Lyonpo added some people are hesitant about taking the jab as they are doubtful of the safety of the vaccines. The health minister said people should not mistrust the vaccine.
“People are doubtful that they might get the Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN. But that will not happen. We are procuring AstraZeneca’s vaccine which is approved by the World Health Organisation.”
Pema Gatshel has a population of 17,120.
Meanwhile, more than 360,000 of the country’s eligible population have registered for the vaccination programme since 21st February.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
