Tajikistan’s Standing Committee on COVID-19 Response has ordered all citizens over the age of 18 to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Khovar news agency reported on July3. 

“Coronavirus vaccination is mandatory for citizens over 18 years," the Standing Committee on COVID-19 Response said in its statement released on July 3. 

It added that citizens should book an appointment with their doctor or their local clinic to receive a free vaccination.  Until now, vaccination was optional in the country.

The Standing Committee on COVID-19 Response said the mandatory vaccination order was to counter the spread of COVID-19 in the country. 

It also called on citizens returning to Tajikistan from abroad and visitors to isolate for 10 days even if they test negative, Khovar reported.

In addition, it encouraged Tajiks to limit the size of weddings and other events to the fewest number of people, but it didn’t specify a number.

According to data provided by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MoHSPP), more than 280,000 people in Tajikistan have been vaccinated as of July 2.