By Nelson Manneh
The Ministry of Health has informed that the first takers of the COVID-19 vaccine will be given priority to take the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
“Priority is now being shifted to administering the second dose to people who took their first shot, due to low stock of the COVID-19 vaccines,” the Ministry informed.
The aforesaid Ministry therefore informed that all individuals who have received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine between 05th March and 08 May 2021, are urged to return for their second dose before 27th June 2021.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 vaccination campaign for the second dose has started on Wednesday 17th March 2021 as scheduled.
According to the Health authorities said the first Covax vaccine received by the government will cater for only 20% of the population, which is about 487,780 people.
The Covax vaccine in town caters for only 20% of the population throughout the country and the allocation according to the health ministry will be able to vaccinate people aged 41 years and above, including priority groups summing up to 487, 780 based on projected population census 2013.
The health ministry indicated in a dispatch that people who have had their first shot can return to any of the vaccination sites for their second dose.
“To locate vaccination sites, please call 1025,” the dispatch stated.
The ministry also said all efforts are being made to ensure additional stocks of vaccines are available in the country as soon as possible to ensure the continuity and success of the vaccination campaign. It added that the second dose is necessary in order to obtain maximum immunological protection against the virus.
“Therefore, those who have taken their first dose are urged to return for their second shot,” the ministry stated.
