The Ministry of Health launched three new vaccines- Pneumococcal, Rotavirus and Flu vaccines, today to commemorate the 28th Birthday of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen.
The introduction of the vaccines is expected to contribute in the reduction of deaths and diseases in children. Pneumococcal and Rotavirus vaccine will be administered to about 14,000 children under one every year.
Pneumococcal disease causes various infections such as meningitis, ear infections and pneumonia.”Pneumococcal disease is high in Bhutan. In the last six years, a total of 83,000 cases of meningitis and pneumonia were reported,” Tshewang Tamang, the Deputy Chief Program Officer of health ministry, said.
“So, the introduction of the pneumococcal vaccine will reduce mortality and morbidity among the young children.”
Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus, which infects intestines, and is the most common cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants and young children.
“In Bhutan, diarrhoea is among the top ten diseases in children under five. The morbidity is very high and it is also very severe. The rotavirus vaccine will help reduce diarrhea cases,” Tshewang Tamang said.
Flu vaccine is a preventive health measure against seasonal influenza. It reduces illness, complications and deaths among pregnant women, children under five and elderly people.
Five elderly women received flu or influenza vaccine as part of the vaccine launch programme.
The ministry will start administering these vaccines through routine immunization services from January next year. It is expected to cost over Nu 90m annually. The cost would be met from the Bhutan Health Trust Fund.
A total of 11 vaccines are provided as of today.
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