𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐

A female child born in the year of bird received the first pediatric dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at Jigme Namgyel Lower Secondary School, kick-starting the nationwide rollout at 10.30am today.

The modest event determined by astrological recommendation of best day and time was held in the presence of Health minister Dechen Wangmo, health officials, and a few children from the Motithang zone.

“This is a significant milestone as our children from ages 5 to 11 will finally be protected from the disease we have been fighting for over two years,” Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said.

“We are talking about 83,227 children in this age group and I urge everyone to come forward,” he said, adding that the vaccine coverage of our children will add confidence to the ongoing COVID-19 management.

So far 65,718 children have registered for the vaccine. The campaign has started across the country, and for Thimphu, the vaccine will be rolled out zone-wise tomorrow onwards.

“Like all other COVID-19 vaccines, this is safe,” prime minister said.