Covid-19 vaccination starts in Otjozondjupa
ESTER KAMATI
OTJIWARONGO
A ceremony was held at the Otjiwarongo state hospital on Wednesday where the first doses of Covid-19 vaccine were administered, with the regional governor and regional council members being among the first to take the vaccine in the region.
“It is a reality to us as a region that Covid-19 is an aggressive pandemic that threatens human lives. It is therefore imperative that healthcare workers as well as Otjozondjupa community must be protected from Covid-19.
“Today our region will endorse the milestone towards the realisation of Covid-19 prevention among our people as we are about to witness the launch and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines,” stated the regional health director, Gebhardo Timotheus.
As of 21 April this year, the region had tested 13 821 people, of which 3 065 tested positive for the virus, including 113 healthcare workers. The recoveries stood at 2 866 while 64 Covid-19 deaths have been reported in the region.
Don't hesitate
Stating that there are still some people who are hesitant to take the vaccine, Timotheus added that experts advise that “getting the vaccine will protect you from getting seriously sick even if you get Covid-19”. The vaccine also minimises chances of contracting Covid-19 and “you will protect people around you, particularly those who are at high risk of contracting the disease”.
“We are all aware that healthcare workers are categorised as people at risk of contracting Covid-19. Therefore, the ministry of health and social services has prioritised healthcare workers and frontline workers as first beneficiaries of Covid-19 vaccines.”
Regional governor James Uerikua said the vaccination is safe and urged inhabitants to not be hesitant and get vaccinated against the coronavirus.
“Go out there and take the vaccine,” he said, reminding everyone that it is a voluntary programme.
Otjiwarongo senior medical officer Nelson Johnannes stated that there are no risks for people who have tested positive for Covid-19 if they take the vaccine. He also stated that the medical staff will ensure that there are sufficient doses of the vaccine available for one to take their second dose after 21 days, adding that the two doses need to be of the same vaccine.
When and where
The region received 6 108 doses of Sinopharm vaccine from China and 1 960 doses of Covishield (AstraZeneca) vaccine on 8 April.
The vaccines will be distributed among 11 vaccination sites in the region between 21 April and 5 May.
These sites are the Otjiwarongo district hospital, Otavi health centre, Osona military base, Okahandja state and private hospitals, Grootfontein hospital, Grootfontein Military Hospital, Tsumkwe clinic, Mangetti Dune health centre, Okakarara hospital and Okondjatu clinic.
[email protected]
OTJIWARONGO
A ceremony was held at the Otjiwarongo state hospital on Wednesday where the first doses of Covid-19 vaccine were administered, with the regional governor and regional council members being among the first to take the vaccine in the region.
“It is a reality to us as a region that Covid-19 is an aggressive pandemic that threatens human lives. It is therefore imperative that healthcare workers as well as Otjozondjupa community must be protected from Covid-19.
“Today our region will endorse the milestone towards the realisation of Covid-19 prevention among our people as we are about to witness the launch and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines,” stated the regional health director, Gebhardo Timotheus.
As of 21 April this year, the region had tested 13 821 people, of which 3 065 tested positive for the virus, including 113 healthcare workers. The recoveries stood at 2 866 while 64 Covid-19 deaths have been reported in the region.
Don't hesitate
Stating that there are still some people who are hesitant to take the vaccine, Timotheus added that experts advise that “getting the vaccine will protect you from getting seriously sick even if you get Covid-19”. The vaccine also minimises chances of contracting Covid-19 and “you will protect people around you, particularly those who are at high risk of contracting the disease”.
“We are all aware that healthcare workers are categorised as people at risk of contracting Covid-19. Therefore, the ministry of health and social services has prioritised healthcare workers and frontline workers as first beneficiaries of Covid-19 vaccines.”
Regional governor James Uerikua said the vaccination is safe and urged inhabitants to not be hesitant and get vaccinated against the coronavirus.
“Go out there and take the vaccine,” he said, reminding everyone that it is a voluntary programme.
Otjiwarongo senior medical officer Nelson Johnannes stated that there are no risks for people who have tested positive for Covid-19 if they take the vaccine. He also stated that the medical staff will ensure that there are sufficient doses of the vaccine available for one to take their second dose after 21 days, adding that the two doses need to be of the same vaccine.
When and where
The region received 6 108 doses of Sinopharm vaccine from China and 1 960 doses of Covishield (AstraZeneca) vaccine on 8 April.
The vaccines will be distributed among 11 vaccination sites in the region between 21 April and 5 May.
These sites are the Otjiwarongo district hospital, Otavi health centre, Osona military base, Okahandja state and private hospitals, Grootfontein hospital, Grootfontein Military Hospital, Tsumkwe clinic, Mangetti Dune health centre, Okakarara hospital and Okondjatu clinic.
[email protected]
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