‘No force to take vaccine booster’
27.4m people take booster
Friday, 17 June 2022
No one will be forced to take a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, says Health Minister Zahid Maleque, reports bdnews24.com.
The government's duty is to create awareness on taking COVID-19 vaccines, the minister said in a news briefing on Thursday following a meeting with the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries.
"We'll inform the people about the benefits of taking the COVID-19 vaccine and they'll make a decision [about taking a booster shot]. We'll not compel them to take booster shots."
The coronavirus infection has been on the rise in Bangladesh as well as in neighbouring countries, the minister said.
"All we can say is that those who haven't taken the booster shot should get it soon. A booster of the COVID vaccine reduces the risk of death when someone contracts the disease. That's why I believe booster shots should be taken."
Experts have been suggesting the government should ensure wider use of the booster dose of the COVID vaccine as coronavirus infections have surged again in Bangladesh.
The National Technical Committee on Coronavirus Infection Prevention also recommended a third dose for those who are yet to get them.