ROCKFORD It's been over a year since the coronavirus vaccines were made available, and within the ever-changing climate of the pandemic questions are inevitable.
In December 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for thePfizerandModernavaccines, likewise in February for the Johnson & Johnson version.
Since then local hospitals, pharmacies, community centers, and churches have played host to vaccination sites.
Despite recommendationsfrom local officials and health professionals,a large number of area residents have not gotten the vaccine.According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, about 52%or148,902 people in Winnebago County have been vaccinated as of Monday.
More: Some Black health care workers aim to lead by example as vaccine skepticism resurfaces
Here's whatDr. Kavitha Subramanian, infectious disease specialist for OSF HealthCare had to say about the vaccines.
What does the COVID-19 vaccine offer in terms of protection? Does it mitigate contracting the virus? Mitigate developing severe symptoms or prevent death?
Subramanian: COVID-19 vaccines protect everyone from the ages of five years and older from getting infected and becoming severely ill. Evidence shows that it significantly reduces the likelihood of hospitalization and death.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to prevent infection from delta and other variants. Avaccinated person can still contract the virus and when vaccine breakthrough infections happen they can still transmit the virus. So even if you are vaccinated, taking the extra steps including hand washing, social distancing, and wearing a mask in indoor public places will assist in controlling the transmission.
Does the COVID-19 vaccine offer any guarantees to those who take it?
Subramanian: I will not call it a guarantee, but there is enough research to back up the recommendation. The CDC, WHO, and other organizations continue to actively monitor vaccine safety and effectiveness against new and emerging variants for all FDA-authorized COVID -19 vaccines. So far the evidence shows that the vaccines offer protection against severe disease hospitalization and death against currently circulating variants in the United States.
How effective is the COVID-19 vaccine against the different types of variants?
Subramanian: Scientists monitor all variants, some spread more easily and quickly than other variants.
The current variants of concern are omicron (B.1.1.529) and delta (B.1.617.2).Among these two, omicron may spread more easily than other variants including delta. Breakthrough infections in people who are vaccinated can happen, but we do know the booster dose offers increased protection against these variants, and the vaccine is still effective in preventing severe disease. Omicron data is still early but available information is encouraging enough to recommend that we continue getting the vaccine and the booster dose.
How long will booster shots be needed? Should people expect to need to get a shot routinely?
Subramanian: Data from clinical trials showed that a booster shot increased the immune response in trial participants. With an increased immune response we expect more protection against severe disease. ... Regarding future boosters, we need to continue to monitor how this particular virus evolves. If the disease continues in the community and causes severe disease then there is a possibility that we may need further boosters, but if the disease goes away we wont need boosters.
Are there things people can do in conjunction with the vaccine in order to build up their immune system?
Subramanian: Yes, since we are currently seeing a case spike and vaccine breakthrough infections, the general population needs to take all extra steps including hand washing, social distancing, and indoor masking. There is also a correlation between severe disease and underlying chronic respiratory conditions so this would be a good time to quit smoking, vapingand other habits that lead to lung disease.
Take all the prescribed medications for your chronic conditions including asthma, hypertension, and cardiac conditions as per your doctor's instructions so that you can stay healthy at a baseline. If you have family members who have low immunity due to chronic conditions, make sure you are vaccinated and boosted so that you dont transmit the disease to them, because immunosuppressed individuals can get a severe disease even if they have received the vaccine.
Other tips include: get your seasonal flu vaccine, eat healthily,and include vitamin C-rich foods like fruits and fresh vegetables in your diet. If you develop any upper respiratory symptoms you should quarantine and get tested. If the test is positive then reach out to your doctor regarding available early interventions including monoclonal antibodies.
Shaquil Manigault: smanigault@gannett.com; @RRstarShaquil
Contributed| District Health Department Four
District Health Department Four is offering a number of COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites in multiple places over its four county service area during the month of January, in cooperation with Honu Management Group.
The health department provides services to people who live and work in Cheboygan, Alpena, Montmorency and Presque Isle Counties. Anyone who has any questions regarding the COVID-19 testing results from these events can call Honu Management Group at 866-809-8282, or email covid19help@honumg.com.
There will be several events in Alpena and Montmorency counties where people will be able to receive their COVID-19 vaccine or booster shots.
In Alpena at the Alpena County Fairgrounds on Tuesdays throughout the month of January, there will be vaccine and booster shots available from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. In Lewiston at the St. Francis of Assisi Church vaccines will be available 1-7 p.m. Jan. 10 and 24.
All three brands of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson.
No preregistration is required. There will not be any pediatric vaccines or boosters given for children who 5-11 years old.
Appointments may be scheduled, if a patient prefers, by calling 800-221-0294.
Visit dhd4.org/covid19 for other testing and vaccination providers.
Four locations around the health department's service area will also offer rapid antigen testing which returns results in 15 minutes and PCR testing, which returns results in two to three days.
From 10 a.m until 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, Thunder Bay Junior High in Alpena will be offering these tests. It is hoped these tests will be offered each week throughout January, but at this time, the health department has only confirmed the one day.
From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on every Tuesday throughout the month, the Alpena County Fairgrounds will also be offering testing. The Cheboygan Knights of Columbus Hall will offer these tests from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. each Thursday throughout the month.
St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lewiston will be offering the testing events 1-7 p.m. Mondays in January, on Jan. 10 and 24.
Individuals who have been infected with coronavirus are still recommended to get vaccinated -- including booster doses -- as a means to reduce risk of reinfection, according to local and federal health officials.
But how long should they wait after infection? Doctors say it varies based on severity of infection and if you received antibody treatment.
For individuals who dont require hospital care for their COVID-19 illness, the recommendation is to be vaccinated as soon as youre symptom free and beyond your 10-day quarantine window. The main reason to delay is to avoid infecting others at the vaccination site.
Patients who need hospital care for COVID-19 should wait 10 days after they are released from the hospital, according to Dr. Asha Shajahan, medical director of community health for Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Pointe. Additionally, those who needed to be intubated in the ICU should wait 20 days after they leave the hospital.
If an individuals received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma as a means to treat COVID-19, they should delay receiving a COVID vaccine for 90 days, according to the CDC.
The reason for that is that your immune system is not functioning at its highest capacity and we want you to get vaccinated when your immune system is working the best because then you will provide yourself with the best protection, Shajahan said.
Linda Vail, health officer for Ingham County, said monoclonal antibodies already provide some protection against coronavirus, delaying the need for immediate vaccination as an avenue for protection.
For everyone else?
You can get vaccinated as soon as youve recovered, Vail said. If youre well and out of isolation, you can get vaccinated.
As of Dec. 30, nearly 6.34 million Michiganders had gotten at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, or about 63.5% of residents 5 years and older. About 5.3 million had been fully vaccinated, and about 2.2 million received a booster/third dose.
The CDC acknowledges that it doesnt have enough data to know the optimal timing to receive a vaccine after infection. However, it notes protection from a COVID-19 vaccine is more reliable, consistent and predictable than protection from previous infection, which can vary by age and severity of illness. There is also evidence that vaccination reduces risk of reinfection.
To find a vaccine near you, eligible residents can visit Michigans COVID-19 vaccine website or go to VaccineFinder.org. Shots are available through health systems, pharmacies, health departments, physicians offices and other enrolled providers.
If you have any COVID-19 questions that youd like answered, please submit them to covidquestions@mlive.com to be considered for future MLive reporting.
Read more on MLive:
Omicron variant of coronavirus now in 18 Michigan counties, latest data shows
Michigan COVID-19 cases skyrocket, hitting record seven-day average of 12,442
One year later: COVID vaccines brought relief, protection to Michiganders in 2021
Why vaccinating your child for COVID is erring on the side of caution
Demand for monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID-19 is high, supply is low and omicron is coming
An image shared on Instagram claims that people are largely safe from catching COVID-19 even if they dont take the vaccine.
By declining the vax, I am 100% safe from adverse reactions and 99.8% safe from COVID, the images text reads. Id say those are pretty safe [odds.]
The image appears to be a screenshot of an Instagram post. Although the account featured in the post does have several anti-vaccination posts, we could not find that specific image on its timeline.
The post was flagged as part of Facebooks efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. Instagram is owned by Facebook. (Read more about our partnership with Facebook.)
While the post doesnt give a source for the figures it cites, weve fact-checked similar claims before about unvaccinated people and their chances of survival against COVID-19.
As with the previous claims, this post appears to conflate the global survival rate for the virus with an individuals chance of survival.
Of the 290 million people in the world who have tested positive for the virus as of Jan. 3, around 5.4 million people, or fewer than 2 percent, have died, according to The New York Times. That means at least 98 percent of people in the world who had COVID-19 survived.
However, the global survival rate for the virus should not be considered the same thing as an individuals chance of survival.
A persons age, gender, health history and where they live all factor into how likely they are to survive an infection, according to Our World in Data.
No vaccine is ever 100 percent effective, but early studies showed the protection provided by the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can reduce a persons risk of infection from the virus by as much as 91 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine can reduce that risk by 66 percent.
The vaccines effectiveness has waned over time and with the prevalence of more infectious coronavirus variants like delta and omicron, prompting health officials to approve booster shots. Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson have said booster doses of their vaccines are able to protect against severe symptoms and hospitalization related to the omicron variant.
Health officials have also stressed the vaccines are safe to use and that serious adverse reactions are rare.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, said during a November White House briefing, before this post was made, that unvaccinated people in the U.S. are six times more likely to test positive for the virus and have at least a 14 times greater risk of dying from COVID-19 compared with vaccinated people. In a December briefing following a surge in cases caused by the omicron variant, Walensky said those figures only went up: Unvaccinated people in the U.S. were 10 times more likely to test positive for the virus and were at 20 times greater risk of dying from COVID-19 compared with vaccinated people who received a booster dose. The hospitalization rate for unvaccinated adults in the country was also 17 times higher.
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Our vaccines are working really well to prevent severe disease and hospitalization and death, Walensky said. Theyre actually also working quite well to prevent cases, although we do know more breakthrough cases are happening in the context of omicron.
The latest data from the CDC also show the case and death rates of COVID-19 remain high among unvaccinated individuals compared with those who are vaccinated.
Similarly, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in a July interview with NBC that unvaccinated people accounted for 99 percent of deaths in the U.S. related to the virus. And, accounting for omicron, he said in the December White House briefing that while omicron may result in less severe symptoms compared with the other variants, its increased transmissibility is still a danger, especially among unvaccinated populations.
The risk of severe disease from any circulating variant, including omicron, is much, much higher for the unvaccinated, he said.
An image shared on Instagram claimed that not getting vaccinated against the coronavirus makes a person 100% safe from adverse reactions and 99.8% safe from COVID.
The claim appears to conflate the total survival rate of the virus in the world with an individuals chance of survival.
The COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and effective in reducing a persons risk of infection and hospitalization from the virus. Positive cases, hospitalizations and deaths have been fueled by the unvaccinated. This trend has continued even as omicron has spread.
The claim does contain an element of truth. By not getting vaccinated against COVID-19, a person does have a 100% chance of being safe from adverse reactions associated with those vaccines. However, developing a serious adverse reaction is rare. And serious health effects related to COVID-19 infection are more common.
We rate this claim Mostly False.
Tampa Bay: The Times can help you find the free, public COVID-19 testing sites in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties.
Florida: The Department of Health has a website that lists testing sites in the state. Some information may be out of date.
The U.S.: The Department of Health and Human Services has a website that can help you find a testing site.
The COVID-19 vaccine for ages 5 and up and booster shots for eligible recipients are being administered at doctors offices, clinics, pharmacies, grocery stores and public vaccination sites. Many allow appointments to be booked online. Heres how to find a site near you:
Find a site: Visit vaccines.gov to find vaccination sites in your zip code.
More help: Call the National COVID-19 Vaccination Assistance Hotline.
Phone: 800-232-0233. Help is available in English, Spanish and other languages.
TTY: 888-720-7489
Disability Information and Access Line: Call 888-677-1199 or email DIAL@n4a.org.
KIDS AND VACCINES: Got questions about vaccinating your kid? Here are some answers.
BOOSTER SHOTS: Confused about which COVID booster to get? This guide will help.
BOOSTER QUESTIONS: Are there side effects? Why do I need it? Heres the answers to your questions.
PROTECTING SENIORS: Heres how seniors can stay safe from the virus.
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Will lottery prizes convince people to take the COVID-19 vaccine? It appears not, according to Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) researchers.
Previous BUSM research found that Ohio's lottery system to incentivize vaccination was not associated with increased vaccinations, now a new study from the same researchers, found the same results despite expanding their data to include 15 additional states.
As in our prior study of Ohio's lottery incentive, we unfortunately did not find an increase in COVID-19 vaccinations related to lottery incentive programs in other states."
Anica Law, MD, MS, corresponding author, assistant professor of medicine, BUSM
Since it was unclear if other states (besides Ohio) might have different responses to lottery vaccine incentives, the researchers assessed changes in COVID-19 vaccination rates in 15 other states with subsequent lottery programs. Data from both the U.S. Center for Disease Control as well as individual state vaccine data was reviewed to evaluate trends in vaccination rates among adults in states with and without lottery incentive programs. No association between state-based vaccine lottery incentive programs and increased rates of COVID-19 vaccination was found.
According to the researchers, these results suggest that state-based lotteries are of limited value in increasing vaccine uptake. "Further studies and resources should be devoted to other strategies to increase vaccination rates, including those that more directly target underlying reasons for vaccine hesitancy," said Law, a physician at Boston Medical Center.
These findings appear online in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.
Source:
Journal reference:
Law, A.C., et al. (2022) Lottery-Based Incentives and COVID-19 Vaccination Rates in the United States. JAMA Internal Medicine. doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.7052.
Jan 4th 2022
SINCE OMICRON, a new and highly contagious variant of SARS-CoV-2, emerged in November, governments have urged their citizens to get vaccinated. In rich countries that usually means a third, booster, dose. But in poorer countries it often means getting a first.
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Data collected by the World Bank and Our World in Data, an online publication based at the University of Oxford, show that rich countries have received enough doses to vaccinate their population many times over. But poorer countries have been unable to inoculate their citizens even partially. Among countries with a gross national income (GNI) of above $12,500 (classified as high income) or between $4,000 and $12,500 per capita (upper- middle income) more than 160 vaccine doses were administered per 100 people. (This figure includes second doses and booster jabs.) Lower-middle income countries, with a GNI per head between $1,000 and $4,000, have administered about 85 doses per 100 people. Countries with a GNI of below $1,036 per capita, the low-income bracket, received 12 doses per 100 people.
Vaccine inequality began early on in the pandemic. Richer countries could afford to risk investing in drugs before their efficacy had even been proven. And COVAX, the organisation tasked with divvying up doses to poorer countries, has struggled to source the supplies with which to do so. At the end of last year supplies of vaccines to Africa, where many of the lowest income countries are, did start increasing. But distribution remains difficult. Some vaccines have to be stored at very low temperatures, which makes them unsuitable for places with unreliable electricity. CARE, a charity, estimates that for each $1 spent on the vaccine itself, $5 more will be spent on its distribution. For those who fall ill with covid-19 in poorer countries medical care tends to be worse. And vaccine-hesitancy is a problem in poor countries as well as rich ones. A survey of five west African countries last year by Afrobarometer found that on average only 39% were likely to try to get vaccinated.
The impact of the pandemic varies by income in other ways too. The Economists excess death model estimates that lower-middle income countries, which received only half as many shots per 100 people as the upper-middle and high-income countries, have the highest excess-death ratio. But the low-income countries, which administered fewer than 12 doses per 100 people, have an excess-death rate lower than even that of upper-middle income and high-income countries.
Young populations are less susceptible to severe disease from covid. And where the disease has already spread widely, some populations have achieved some natural immunity, which protects against severe covid, though less so against catching the virus (rates of re-infection with Omicron are higher than with previous variants, but previous infection still offers some protection against severe disease). So the disease has probably caused fewer deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, which has a median age of less than 20, than in older places such as Europe, which has a median age of 43 and where the prevalence of conditions such as obesity and diabetes put individuals at higher risk. And there is evidence that previous infections with malaria, which is common in much of sub-Saharan Africa, may lessen the severity of a subsequent covid infection. That is some good news for people there who are still unable or unwilling to be vaccinated.
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The vaccination and testing sites will not require proof of residency, citizenship, or insurance.
HOUSTON (KIAH) The Houston Health Department is adding dozens more, free covid-19 testing sites and as positive case numbers continue to soar. The HHD says the vaccination and testing sites will not require proof of residency, citizenship, or insurance.
Mondays, Thursdays: 10 a.m. 7 p.m.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
Tuesdays: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Mondays, Thursdays: 10 a.m. 7 p.m.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
Thursdays: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. 2 p.m.
Mondays, Thursdays: 10 a.m. 7 p.m.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
Mondays, Thursdays: 10 a.m. 7 p.m.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. 2 p.m.
Mondays, Thursdays: 10 a.m. 7 p.m.
Tuesdays, Fridays: 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
Mondays-Saturdays: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
January 5, 2022: 5-7 p.m.
January 6, 2022: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
January 6, 2022: 2-5 p.m.
January 7, 2022: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
January 8, 2022: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
January 8, 2022: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
January 8, 2022: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
January 8, 2022: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
January 8, 2022: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
January 8, 2022: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
January 8, 2022: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Walk ins only
January 8, 2022: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Walk ins only
January 9, 2022: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Houston Health Department's Harris County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has vaccinated over a thousand Houstonians in their own homes. In-home COVID-19 testing is also offered for an added layer of protection. Find out if you or a loved one is eligible: https://t.co/kpcy9CLjnS pic.twitter.com/ttpMgiUi0a
The Houston Health Department is also offering free in-home Covid-19 testing for older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans. To qualify please call 832-393-4301.
CHENGDU, China, Jan. 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clover Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., (Clover; Stock code: 2197.HK), a global clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel vaccines and biologic therapeutic candidates, today announced that the first participants have been dosed with Clovers COVID-19 vaccine candidate, SCB-2019 (CpG 1018/Alum), as a homologous booster dose following primary vaccination of SCB-2019 (CpG 1018/Alum) in the ongoing global Phase 2/3 SPECTRA clinical trial. Clover reported final efficacy data for SCB-2019 (CpG 1018/Alum) in SPECTRA in September 2021 and the study is continuing to generate additional immunogenicity and safety data.
This double-blind, randomized, controlled study will evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of two formulations of SCB-2019 (full dose: 30 g with CpG 1018/Alum and half dose: 15 g with CpG 1018/Alum) as a homologous booster dose administered approximately 6 months following 2-dose primary vaccination with SCB-2019 (CpG 1018/Alum) in approximately 4,000 adult participants.
In addition, the evaluation of the immunogenicity and safety of SCB-2019 (CpG 1018/Alum) for primary vaccination in the adolescent (12-18 years) subgroup has been expanded to 1,200 adolescents. Initial data on both the homologous booster arm and adolescents are anticipated in the first half of 2022.
Joshua Liang, Chief Executive Officer of Clover Biopharmaceuticals said, We are pleased to announce that the first participants have been dosed with SCB-2019 (CpG 1018/Alum) as a homologous booster in the Philippines. The data generated from this study combined with previously reported positive data on previously-infected individuals in SPECTRA as well as data from other heterologous booster studies will potentially position SCB-2019 (CpG 1018/Alum) as an attractive universal booster vaccine candidate globally.
The development of SCB-2019 (CpG 1018/Alum) is funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which has awarded Clover up to $397.4 million in funding. Through this collaboration, Clover will supply up to 414 million doses of SCB-2019 (CpG 1018/Alum) to the COVAX Facility for equitable distribution.
About SCB-2019 (CpG 1018/Alum)
SCB-2019 (CpG 1018/Alum), our COVID-19 vaccine candidate, is anticipated to potentially be one of the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccines commercialized globally through the COVAX Facility. Employing the Trimer-Tag technology platform, Clover developed the SCB-2019 antigen, a stabilized trimeric form of the S-protein (referred to as S-Trimer) based on the original strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Clover created its COVID-19 vaccine candidate by combining SCB-2019 with Dynavaxs CpG 1018 advanced adjuvant and aluminum hydroxide (alum).
About Clover Biopharmaceuticals
Clover Biopharmaceuticals is a global clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to developing novel vaccines and biologic therapeutic candidates. The Trimer-Tag technology platform is a product development platform for the creation of novel vaccines and biologic therapies. Clover leveraged the Trimer-Tag technology platform to become a COVID-19 vaccine developer and created SCB-2019 (CpG 1018/Alum) to address the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2.
For more information, please visit Clovers website: www.cloverbiopharma.comand follow the company on LinkedIn.
Clover Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to us and our subsidiaries that are based on the beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to our management. When used in this [document], the words aim, anticipate, believe, could, estimate, expect, going forward, intend, may, might, ought to, plan, potential, predict, project, seek, should, will, would and the negative of these words and other similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. We give no assurance that these expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are participant to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. We caution you therefore against placing undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this document speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. Participant to the requirements of applicable laws, rules and regulations, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements contained in this document are qualified by reference to this cautionary statement.
Clover Biopharmaceuticals:
Cindy MinSVP, Public Affairsmedia@cloverbiopharma.com
Naomi EichenbaumVP, Investor Relationsinvestors@cloverbiopharma.com
Bhutan, a small landlocked country with a total area of 38,394 km2, is nestled in the Eastern Himalayas between India and China. The current population of the country is projected at 756,129 with a sex ratio of 110 males to 100 females. The majority (62%) of the population lives in rural areas. The median age is 26.5years with an overall life expectancy of 70.3years [1].
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Bhutan was first confirmed on 5 March 2019, in a 76-year-old tourist [2]. Subsequently, there were sporadic cases and localized outbreaks in different parts of the country [3]. As of 15 September 2021, there were 2,596 confirmed cases and three deaths in the country (Fig.1).
Source: World Health Organization)
Daily reporting of COVID-19 cases from the beginning of the pandemic and the time period of nationwide vaccination rounds, Bhutan, 2021 (
The vaccination program in Bhutan was introduced as a part of the global initiative to eradicate smallpox [4]. Whilst diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT), oral polio vaccine (OPV) and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccines were introduced in few districts in 1976, Bhutan launched its expanded programme on immunization (EPI) in 1979 to develop and expand immunization services to achieve Universal Childhood Immunization [4]. At present, Bhutan provides vaccines against tuberculosis, hepatitis B (hepB), poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, haemophilus influenza type b (hib), measles, mumps and rubella. According to the 2020 EPI report, Bhutan has achieved more than 80% coverage for all vaccines in 20 districts without a single case of vaccine dropout for the pentavalent vaccine (DPT-hib-HepB) [5]. Recently, Bhutan expanded its national immunization schedule by introducing vaccines against human papilloma virus (2010), pneumonia (2019) and influenza (2020) [6].
Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective ways of preventing infectious diseases, currently saving 45 million deaths every year [7]. Notwithstanding the progress of vaccines, far too many people have insufficient access to vaccines particularly in developing countries due to inadequate resources [8]. To make the situation worse, vaccination coverage remains suboptimal due to the high level of vaccine hesitancy related to complacency, barriers to accessing vaccines, a lack of trust in government authorities, misinformation, and fear of adverse effects following immunization [9]. Here, we aimed to provide our perspectives on the drives that enabled high coverage of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Bhutan.
Bhutan conducted its first nationwide COVID-19 vaccination round with the inoculation of the Covishield vaccine (Oxford-AstraZeneca) on 27 March 2021 coinciding with an auspicious day of the local astrological belief (Fig.1). For the first round, Bhutan received a total of 550,000 doses of Covishield vaccine (Oxford-AstraZeneca) from India through the vaccine Maitri initiative as a goodwill gesture of friendship between the two countries. Of the total 496,044 eligible population aged18years, 478,829 were vaccinated across 1,217 vaccination centres in 3 weeks of the campaign, achieving a vaccination coverage of 96.5% [1, 10] (Fig.2).
Source: Ministry of Health Facebook page)
Distribution of vaccination posts/centres across 20 districts during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Bhutan, 2021. The figure in the circle indicates the number of vaccination posts set up in each district (
Due to a massive surge in cases and a shortage of vaccine supply in India, Bhutan sought support from other countries to provide vaccines, including the United States (500,000 doses Moderna and 5,850 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine), Denmark (250,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine), Croatia, Bulgaria and others (~100,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine), and the Peoples Republic of China (50,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine). Similar to the first COVID-19 vaccination round, the second round kicked off on the auspicious day of 20 July 2021 (Fig.1). However, during this campaign, Bhutanese had the option to choose other brands such as Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Sinopharm vaccines. A cumulative total of 473,715 people were vaccinated within 2weeks, covering 95.6% of the eligible adult population [11]. Of those vaccinated, 95% received heterologous vaccines and the remaining received homologous vaccines [12].
Enabling factors that led to high vaccination coverage in Bhutan are described below.
The Prime Minister and the Health Minister guided and led the COVID-19 National and Regional Task Force committees responsible for planning and implementing all COVID-19 related initiatives. Perhaps, unique to Bhutan is the leadership role played by His Majesty the Fifth King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. His Majesty worked together with the government in encouraging and inspiring the public to take COVID-19 vaccines. His Majesty has also visited the diverse geographical terrains in the mountainous northern borders and the hot and humid southern borders. During these royal visits, His Majesty visited and supervised vaccination posts to ensure vaccine toolkits and other necessary resources are put into place for the safe vaccination of the population.
Planning of the National vaccination campaign began soon after the start of the pandemic, at a time when vaccine trials were initiated in other countries. The Bhutan Vaccine System (BVS) (https://bvs.moh.gov.bt/) was developed and successfully implemented to digitally enumerate the eligible population for vaccination. In addition, BVS was used to select the number of vaccination posts, their locations and automatic generation of vaccine certificates for the vaccine recipients. BVS also provided an important platform to follow up with the registered individuals and encourage them for the vaccination program. This system is managed by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and is user-friendly, leading to a high proportion of people being registered in it.
For the elderly and those individuals with mobility issues, home-based vaccinations were arranged. To overcome the physical barriers of rugged, mountainous terrain and to maintain a proper cold chain of the vaccine during the transportation process, vaccination services were facilitated by the Royal Bhutan Airlines and the Bhutan Helicopter Services Limited. This meant that vaccines were available in all the vaccination posts.
A massive public education programme was undertaken using appropriate vaccine communication strategies including pamphlets, advertisements on the national television channel (BBSTV) and radio, press briefs, and notices on the Facebook page of the MoH and the Prime Ministers Office (PMO). The Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Health Minister regularly provided updates to alleviate any fear of vaccination. Further, the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination were discussed on BBSTV by vaccine experts and epidemiologists.
The Central Monk Body of Bhutan (Zhung Dratshang) and other monastic organizations led by spiritual masters (Rinpoches) played a pivotal role in building trust in COVID-19 control through vaccination and other means. The specific times of the vaccination rounds were fixed according to the advice of the Zhung Dratshang based on astrological beliefs. Through religious discourse and teachings, these organizations were able to inspire people with otherwise anti-vaccine sentiments, along with the population at large, to accept the vaccine.
A large volunteer workforce, known locally as Desuups (www.desuung.org.bt), came forward to facilitate the organization of vaccination rounds and other activities to control COVID-19 [3]. Founded by the Fifth King, Desuup trainees undergo a value-based personal development program to encourage volunteerism for community services and play an active role in building the nation. During the vaccination campaign, Desuups were deployed in every vaccination post and supported conducting online registration and verification of vaccine recipients, and ensuring compliance with the COVID-19 safety protocol. The armed forces, foresters and customs officials were also deployed to support the vaccination campaign as well as during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain law and order in strategic locations such as crowded places and along the border to prevent illegal immigrants. It is interesting to note that many people, after receiving the vaccine, described their positive experiences on their social media platforms and the MoH web page, encouraging people to get vaccinated.
There are a few limitations worth noting in this study. Firstly, opinions expressed in this study could have been influenced by the researchers perception and understanding of the vaccination campaign. Secondly, inferences were based on the vaccination data from open sources such as the Facebook page of the MOH and the PMO. Authors believe these are credible sources with reliable information.
January 4, 2022 | Austin, Texas | Press Release
Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter announcing his intention to sue the federal government over its unconstitutional vaccine mandate for the Texas National Guard. In the letter, the Governor reminds everyone in his chain of command not to punish any member of the Texas National Guard for choosing not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This letter comes after the Biden Administration tried to subject non-federalized guardsmen to an unconstitutional COVID-19 vaccine mandate from the U.S. Department of Defense. The Governor sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin last month reaffirming that the State of Texas will not impose the Biden Administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate on members of the Texas National Guard."As the commander-in-chief of Texass militia, I have issued a straightforward order to every member of the Texas National Guard within my chain of command: Do not punish any guardsman for choosing not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine," reads the letter. "Unless President Biden federalizes the Texas National Guard in accordance with Title 10 of the U.S. Code, he is not your commander-in-chief under our federal or state Constitutions. And as long as I am your commander-in-chief, I will not tolerate efforts to compel receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine. Let me be crystal clear: It is the federal government that has put Texass guardsmen in this difficult position. As your commander-in-chief, I will fight on your behalf. That is why I am suing the Biden Administration over its latest unconstitutional vaccine mandate."Read the Governor's letter.
