By Nelson Manneh
The Ministry of Health Monday 2nd April 2021 said in a statement that the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is not yet in The Gambia.
The ministry stated that there is information circulating indicating that the AstraZeneca vaccine is in town and those who are supposed to take the second dose of the vaccine should report to their various centres to be vaccinated.
On the contrary, the ministry said those who took the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine are asked to wait.
“We want to inform you that the AstraZeneca Vaccine is not yet in The Gambia. If it is available, we will inform the public about it,” the Ministry stated in a press release.
It further indicated that many people are calling the ministry’s toll-free line, citing that they have come across a social media post purportedly from the ministry, indicating that they are starting the continuation of AstraZeneca vaccination on 2nd August 2021. They said this is not true.
The ministry clarified that the AstraZeneca vaccine is yet to arrive in the country, but will certainly be available soon.
“The health ministry wishes to re-assure those who are due for a second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine, that they will subsequently receive it as soon as it becomes available. Please note that any delay in receiving the second dose would not have any negative consequences on the individual,” the release stated.
