How will the target population be identified?
To ensure all eligible persons are reached and that those reached complete the recommended doses of the vaccine within the recommended period, the COVID-19 vaccination exercise will be preceded by registration of target priority populations, and the information is uploaded into an electronic database.
The initial information in the database has been built with information from NIRA, Directors/Medical Superintendents of Hospitals, the Ministry of Public Service, The Medical Councils, Ministry of Education and Sports, and the District Health Offices.
Beneficiaries will be identified using their National Identity cards or any other identification documents like Driving permits, Refugee Identity Card, Work permits, and Passports. Other means will be the use of Local Council leaders (LC1)or Village Health Teams (VHTs).
In the case of unregistered citizens, a guarantor’s identity (preferably the next of kin, Local Councillor VHT), whose mobile phone contact is available, will be required before vaccination is done. Please note identification is extremely important for purposes of records, follow up and a reminder to receive your second dose of the vaccine.
When will the priority groups be vaccinated?
Each priority group will be allocated days on which they can access vaccines depending on the availability of vaccines in the country. This information will be communicated by the Ministry of Health from time to time.
The priority group to be vaccinated will be the Health Workers. All districts / Cities will start vaccination of health workers from the 11th March 2021 beginning at 8.00 am with public health workers, followed by Private Not for Profit (PNFP) and end with the health workers in the Private facilities.
Vaccination of health workers will take place between 10th -15th March 2021 followed by teachers / Lecturers from 16th to 19th March 2021. The other priority groups are requested to remain patient as we purchase and/or receive more donations and allocate them appropriate dates.
COVID-19 Vaccines Safety and Efficacy
The AstraZeneca vaccines, which we shall be administering starting tomorrow, is protective against severe forms of disease and deaths.
The vaccines are administered on the left upper arm. The complete dosage requires two doses of 0.5mls of the vaccine given two months apart (8 weeks).
The documented side effects of the vaccine like any other vaccines include pain at the injection site, irritation, fever, and muscle ache. These side effects are mild, not experienced by everybody, and they resolve by themselves. By 8th March 2021, over 350 million people worldwide have been vaccinated and the AstraZeneca vaccine has been used in over 60 countries.
It is safe to provide the vaccine to all age groups above 18 years, pregnant and lactating mothers. Vaccination is recommended regardless of one’s previous history of infection with the coronavirus. Testing before vaccination is therefore not required.
What happens before and after the vaccine is given?
All eligible persons will be required to sign a consent form before vaccination is given. Similar to all other vaccinations, persons who are vaccinated will be required to remain at the vaccination service point for at least 30 minutes for observation and capturing information into the District Health Information System (DHIS).
A vaccination card will be issued after the information has been captured and the client is informed when to return for his /her the second dose.
Once you are at home and you have any medical concerns you are kindly requested to report immediately to the nearest health facility so that proper management and treatment is provided.
Security of vaccines and related commodities
The COVID-19 vaccines will be securely stored and guarded by the security forces. This is to ensure that the vaccines are NOT stolen or tampered with.
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