An Exemplary National COVID-19 Vaccination: Lessons from Bhutan

Abstract

Vaccination remains a key public health intervention against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, vaccine distribution and coverage are variable between countries due to access and implementation issues. Vaccine inequity was evident with some countries having no access to the vaccines while others have initiated multiple booster doses. We share Bhutan’s approach to COVID-19 vaccination and lessons learned during the successful conduct of a nationwide vaccination program. As of 12 December 2021, 80.3% of the Bhutanese population have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 77.0% have received at least two doses. Considering age groups, 97.2% of adults (18 years) have received at least one dose and 93.6% have received at least two doses. The first dose coverage for the adolescents 12–17 years was 99.7% and second dose coverage was 92.3% since some were not yet due for their second dose at the time of writing this report. The well-established existing national immunization program was especially useful in the implementation of the national COVID-19 vaccination program. The Bhutan Vaccine System, a digital platform for registration and monitoring of vaccination, was rapidly developed and extensively utilized during the campaign. The selfless leadership of the king, the government, and prior detailed planning with multi-sectoral collaboration and coordination, was the key in this exemplary vaccination program. Bhutan has successfully vaccinated children between 5–11 years with high coverage and no serious issues. Many adults have also received first and second booster doses, based on their risks and preferences.