The second nationwide COVID vaccination campaign began today. More than 96,000 people got vaccinated on the first day. No serious complications were reported.
In Thimphu, people of diverse age groups and from all walks of life started gathering at their respective vaccination centres from as early as seven in the morning.
It was the same in almost all parts of the country.
Grateful and content, most of the people chose the Moderna vaccine for their second jab. However, a few decided to go for AstraZeneca.
“There is nothing to fear or hesitate to get the COVID-19 vaccination. There has been no problem since I received the vaccination and I would like to thank His Majesty the King and the government for providing us with such opportunities,” said Thinley Tenzin from Thimphu.
“At first I was scared that I might experience side effects from the vaccine. But when I got the jab I did not even feel scared. Everything was normal. I prayed to the medicine Buddha and was grateful to His Majesty and the Jekhenpo for showering us with immense blessings,” said Sangay Zam from Paro.
“We are very happy and hopeful now that the pandemic will subside soon. As we have no knowledge in the health field, the Prime Minister and the health experts have chosen the Moderna vaccine for the second dose. And so we went for the Moderna vaccine,” said Dorji Gyelpo from Samdrup Jongkhar.
“I got my first jab last time and I did not have any adverse reaction. This time also everything was normal. I would like to encourage my friends who are scared to receive the jab as it will not only helps us to protect ourselves from the virus but also prevent the spread of the virus in the country,” said Chuki Wangmo from Thimphu.
“I am prepared to go with the mix-and-match approach. I am very grateful to His Majesty and the government for protecting us from the pandemic. We were advised to continue using a facemask and wash hands which will protect us from the virus,” said Dorji Khandu from Bumthang.
“We are very lucky to be under the guidance of such a benevolent leader that we are getting it for free and it is the responsibility of each and every individual to get vaccinated,” said Tshering Dhendup from Monggar.
No serious complications were reported. The nationwide vaccination will end on Monday next week.
After the week-long campaign, the health ministry will carry out a separate home-based programme for people who are unable to visit the vaccination centres.
The government is hopeful that at least eighty per cent of the country’s population is vaccinated to achieve herd immunity against the Coronavirus.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Chayku