During the Meet-the-Press session on April 24, the Health Minister urged people to continue with routine immunisation of their children to minimise the risk of disease outbreaks and loss of life due to vaccine preventable diseases.
“Because of COVID-19, there is definitely a certain level of fear about visiting hospitals and parents are worried about taking their children for their routine vaccines,” she said.
Lyonpo said that parents must avail immunisation services and asked them to contact the health ministry if they face any problems.
The ministry, however, urged people to practice physical distancing, proper hand washing and other health advisories for their safety.
According to a joint media advisory released by WHO, UNICEF and health ministry, routine immunisation protects children against 13 diseases.
The health ministry, WHO and UNICEF have been working together to provide uninterrupted routine immunisation services in the country.
The Japan Committee for Vaccines, GAVI and the Bhutan Health Trust Fund have also supported the procurement of vaccines in Bhutan.
Sangay Chezom
