Though Bhutan became the first to receive the Indian manufactured COVID-19 on Wednesday under Indian grant assistance, the country will wait for almost two months to start inoculating its population for COVID-19.

Bhutan took a totally different approach in comparison to the rest of the countries in the world to vaccinate its citizens. Unlike other nations that have rolled out a phased vaccination drive, the Bhutanese government has decided to inoculate its population in a single phase for multiple reasons.

Announcing the decision, Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering said on Tuesday, the country will store all 1.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines till March. The government will not start vaccination until it procures all of the vaccines required to vaccinate its entire population.

“Opting to spread the vaccine roll-out over months could lead to unsystematic coverage and varying levels of protection for different individuals. This will complicate the follow-up doses and subsequent boosters if required,” Tshering said in the statement.

Also in Bhutan, the period between 14 February- March 13 is considered inauspicious. The government said it is important to roll out this drive on an auspicious date.    

The government plans to vaccinate around 533,000 of its nationals. Individuals below 18 years, pregnant and lactating women will not be considered for the vaccination.