Cabinet approves Covid-19 vaccination of 12 to 15 year olds

Harare (New Ziana) -Zimbabwe will soon start vaccinating children aged between 12 and 15 years against Covid-19 following the approval of the roll out on Tuesday by Cabinet, an official has said. 

Zimbabwe is already vaccinating children aged between 14 and 17 years. 

Addressing a post Cabinet briefing, acting Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jorum Gumbo said the resolution to innoculate the 12 to 15 years age group was informed by advice from medical specialists. 

“Cabinet resolved as follows: that in view of the science-based guidance from the Paediatric Association of Zimbabwe special COVID-19 vaccine group, COVID-19 vaccination be extended to the 12 to 15 year old age group;

“That the Risk Communication Subcommittee urgently meet with the Expanded Programme on Immunisation unit of the Ministry of Health and Child Care and begin to prepare and mobilise communities for the March to June national vaccination blitz,” he said. 

Cabinet also resolved that Provincial Ministers of State and Devolution and their teams urgently finalise their updated vaccination strategies. 

“Cabinet resolved that strict enforcement of all COVID-19 regulations coupled with strengthened risk communication on the pandemic must continue,” said Gumbo. 

As at 18 February, 2022, the cumulative number of first, second and third Covid-19 doses administered stood at 4 336 120, 3 369 172 as well as 101, 748 respectively. 

Gumbo said Cabinet raised concern over the low uptake of vaccination in some parts of the country. 

“Of concern is the low vaccine coverages for Chitungwiza City (25.5 percent) , Mashonaland East (31.6 percent )and Mashonaland West (28.8 percent ),” he said. 

Zimbabwe is targeting to innoculate at least 10 million people to reach heard immunity. 

Gumbo however said during the week under review, 145 learners in 38 schools tested positive for COVID-19, while 11 members of staff also tested positive.

“All the active cases detected through the schools’ surveillance system are under isolation and being managed by the Health and Child Care,” he said. 

Zimbabwe’s cumulative COVID-19 cases stand at 233 352, with 224 940 recoveries and 5 386 deaths. 

New Ziana