“Despite the availability of vaccines, people should not treat the ongoing pandemic so casually”, advised Health staff Tsering as he appeals for extreme precautions at Tibetan New Year. He urged the Tibetans to keep the gatherings small while endorsing the necessary precautions.

Until now, a total of 24841 unit of immune boosters have been distributed so far. The mental health committee has tele-counselled 4 patients this week. Mass testing drive conducted across Tibetan settlements in India and Nepal covered 545.

Dr Tenzin Namdon precautioned against the widespread rumours and fake news on the efficacy of vaccines on social media. She urged the public to only follow the directives issued by the health authorities of respective regions.

Dr Namdon assured that while serious side effects after the vaccine are rare but a few small side effects in some cases are possible such as minor pain on the area of the shot, swelling, fever, and sneezing etc. These side effects are said to subside within a day or two.

She further informed that the optimum efficacy of the vaccine will only be seen after the second dose. That being said, there is, however, no guarantee that a person will be completely immune to the virus so additional precautions are highly urged.

According to tibet.net