Druk Infocity

25/07/2021

16/07/2021

𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫
𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏

As you all know, vaccines have arrived in the country and we are all gearing for the most important event- the second nationwide COVID-19 vaccination starting July 20. In preparation, the experts and officials from all agencies are working round the clock for a successful rollout of the campaign.

The job this time becomes much easier given the experience and the template from the first nationwide rollout in March this year.

All through the pandemic, His Majesty’s command is loud and clear- protecting the lives should take precedence over everything else. Besides ensuring livelihood, His Majesty embraced non-compromising approach to save lives, even if it meant endangering His own. This wisdom kept us on track so far.

For the vaccines allocation too, while we were juggling with numerous factors because of the adequacy and variety of vaccines in stock, the Royal guidance was to base our decision primarily on safety and protective strength (immunogenicity) of the vaccines we have with us. With this, series of discussions among the experts ensued.

All vaccines that have emergency use approval are equally safe. But on immune protection, even if by a margin, the emerging literature points towards a better immune response for those who have received mRNA vaccine as second dose to AstraZeneca as first dose.

While this is one of the heterologous regimen, it does not mean homologous mode of vaccination are ineffective, which is why it is also valid to have same vaccine for the second dose.

Thus, with the available evolving evidence, our recommendation is:
1. To take Moderna vaccine as second dose for those who received AstraZeneca as first dose.

2. AstraZeneca will also be made available as second dose for those who insist on it for personal reasons.

3. Given the sufficient doses, the first timers can receive either AstraZeneca, Sinopharm or Moderna. For this group of people, the second dose can be Moderna and Sinopharm vaccine in four weeks or AstraZeneca in 12 to 16 weeks in homologous mode. Heterologous options will also be provided based on availability.

4. A separate package designed to allocate the limited stock of Pfizer available with us to cover children between 12 and 17 years who are:
- living in areas of outbreak Phuentsholing and Samtse
- travelling for treatment outside
- travelling for studies outside

While studies are underway, we are also waiting for evidence to emerge in the coming days for use of Moderna in children below 17 years, for which works are already underway to ensure timely vaccination.

For your reference, I would also like to share a few examples of countries that have adopted similar mode of vaccination.

1. Canada: Heterologous recommended for all but can opt for AstraZeneca too
2. Most Scandinavian countries: Heterologous for all ages
3. Germany, Spain and Australia: Heterologous for those below 60 years
4. France: Heterologous for those below 55 years

All the above are based on the evolving trends of efficacy, availability of vaccines, and choices made by decision makers and vaccine recipients. We are fortunate that we are also able to offer similar modalities.

As an update, since we are introducing Moderna for the first time, I will be joining a team of volunteers tomorrow (July 17) to receive the vaccine. In addition to my professional understanding and scientific data, this will help me share my personal experience with you all.

Finally, my sincere request to everyone is to pay more importance to getting vaccinated than delving into the choice of vaccines.

The delta-variant of COVID-19 is more contagious. I urge everyone to rise above the circumstances to get vaccinated and add up the number that gives us “herd immunity” faster. For that, we need to vaccinate an arbitrary minimum 80 percent of the total population, in the shortest possible time.

This will give us the much-desired opportunity to reduce COVID-19 from the public health hazard status to an individual health problem. Thereon, we can design personal protection from COVID-19 like any other disease, since it is here to stay. This is also with the hope that there won’t be emergence of a non-responsive variant.

Vaccination, and subsequently herd immunity, is the only way to enter the “new normal” era sooner. However, as we consider post-vaccination protocols, same restrictions will continue to be imposed on those who are not vaccinated, given the risk they pose to themselves or others.

For those who read this message, I request you to take a little extra trouble to reach out to people who will not have access or be able to comprehend the details. Now is the time to play our part in protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our nation from the pandemic. This act of unity, I am convinced, is a great service to the nation.

Meanwhile, should you have any questions regarding the vaccine and vaccination program, please leave your questions here. I will respond to them via social as well as mainstream media channels in the coming days.

Dr Lotay Tshering

12/07/2021

🙏

A special chartered flight landed at the Paro International Airport just now with 500,000 doses of Moderna vaccine that the US government gifted through the COVAX facility. The consignment is received by Health Minister Dechen Wangmo and the Laytsho Lopon of the Central Monastic Body at the airport.

Another consignment of 121,900 out of the 250,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine is also on its way from Denmark and will arrive in the country tomorrow. The remaining 127,000 doses will be delivered next week.

06/07/2021

🙏 Long live His Holiness The Dalai Lama! 🙏

26/06/2021

Guess the place!

22/06/2021

21 June: Coinciding with the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Gyalyum Tshering Yangdoen Wangchuck and the Nuns’ Day, the Bhutan Nuns Foundation opened a training and resource centre for nuns at Tshalumaphey in South Thimphu today. A training manual framework titled Nuns Empowerment Through Capacity and Skills Development was also launched. The training manual is expected to build leadership capacity of the nuns.

Some 10 nuns, who completed nine years’ Buddhist Philosophy studies from a Nuns’ Buddhist college in Punakha also joined the centre today. The foundation will be training them in counselling, self-sufficiency, leadership and management, and help them provide spiritual guidance to women and others interested to embark on a spiritual journey.

The Bhutan Nuns Foundation was founded in 2009 under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Mother and focuses on the welfare of Nuns in the country. Repost

14/06/2021

🙏

02/06/2021

Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.

31/05/2021

Amazing 🇧🇹

25/05/2021

Most people aren’t lazy; they just need a little push to get going! And this orange is the uniform of hope !! 🥰

20/05/2021

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.

18/05/2021

🤩🤩

17/05/2021

My King, My religion! 🙏

08/05/2021

Haha... 😂

02/05/2021

Happy Teachers Day to all the teachers across the world!!

27/03/2021

Lead by example!

Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering receives the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the quarantine facility in Khasadrapchu.

18/03/2021

Lozay on Covid 19 vaccination..

27/02/2021

Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby. —Langston Hughes

26/02/2021

Dramar Lhakhang was constructed in 2015 upon the command of His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo Trulku Jigme Choeda. It is located few kilometers away from Namdroeling Goenzin Dratshang in Autsho, Luntshe.

22/02/2021

Guess the place!!

22/02/2021

Support our very own Bhutanese PUBG Mobile Esports team (Makpen)in PUBG Mobile Club Open South Asia Wildcard Region Finals (PMCO-SA Wildcard)

17/01/2021

Karma Thegsum Dhechenling Monastery.
Known as the last Shangri-La on earth, the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan is the sacred land of Padmasambhava, the founding father of Tibetan Buddhism. In the 8th century, when the great master visited Bhutan , he bestowed extensive teachings and transmissions, left behind many termas (hidden treasures) and manifested countless wonders there.
Many sacred sites of those miraculous activities can still be seen today. Also, many past incarnations of the Karmapas had visited Bhutan to spread teachings of the Karma Kagyu lineage.

Over a decade ago, when Zuri Rinpoche visited the remote Barshong village in eastern Bhutan, several elderly villagers supplicated him to build a monastery in the vicinity, an idea that seemed rather unimaginable given the circumstances at the time. Despite all, the Karma Thegsum Dhenchenling is completed.

Situated just above the SJ-Trashigang highway and picturesque village of Barshong (between Kanglung and Khaling), it is an abode of enlightenment and a place for recommended break if you are on SJ- Trashigang highway.

Info Courtesy: Ven Zuri Rimpochhe the 8th.