The health ministry rolled out the second booster or the fourth dose for those in the priority groups beginning today. The priority groups include the elderly above 65 years, persons with chronic medical conditions, all health workers, frontline workers and all outbound travellers above the age of 18. As per the ministry, close to 230,000 people are in the priority group.
Vaccines can be availed from the respective health facilities. Although it is optional for the rest of the population, the ministry encourages everyone to come forward for the second booster dose. The ministry has adequate vaccines for the entire population.
According to the ministry, getting vaccinated can help prevent serious illness and death, and lower the risk of getting and spreading the virus.
The vaccine drive will be carried out until the end of this month. However, the health facilities will continue providing the boosters even after the planned rollout period.
Individuals should have completed three months after receiving the first booster (third dose) to be eligible for the second booster (fourth dose).
Meanwhile, some countries such as the United Kingdom, Thailand, Denmark, and South Korea among others have already administered the fourth dose to the priority groups to increase protection against the Omicron variant.
Kinzang Lhadon
