500k Zimbabweans vaccinated against Covid-19

Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe on Friday hit the 500 000 Covid-19 vaccination mark, nearly three months after launching its drive to get people inoculated.

The country, which is targeting to inoculate at least 10 million people to attain herd immunity, has so far received nearly two million doses of the vaccines from China and India.

Take up of the vaccines has however been sluggish due to misgivings some people have on their safety.

Government is continuing with awareness programmes on the importance and safety of vaccination to get more people to voluntarily take up the vaccines.

Latest data from the Ministry of Health and Child Care shows that at least 22 248 people got their first jab, taking the overall tally of vaccinations to 500 422.

“The country has today (Friday) reached half a million Zimbabweans vaccinated (first dose),” the health ministry said.

At least 140 340 have to date received the second dose.

Government has committed to avail more resources for the acquisition of more vaccines, with a number of countries including the United Kingdom and Russia having committed to donate some.

China and India, which had also promised some, have fulfilled their pledges.

The private sector is also separately mobilising resources to acquire more doses to aid government which is vaccinating citizens free of charge.

In the past month, since the lifting of the hard lockdown, Zimbabwe has recorded relatively low numbers of new infections.

Cumulative cases since March last year now stand at 38 403 and 1 576 deaths.

Government continues to encourage citizens to observe set health protocols to prevent continued spread of the deadly respiratory diseases.
New Ziana