Covid-19 vaccination safe for 16-17 year olds

Harare(New Ziana) – Vaccination of the 16 to 17 year age group with the Sinovac vaccine has been certified as safe, a Cabinet Minister said on Tuesday.

In a weekly post Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the age group is encouraged to present themselves at nearest health centres to get jabbed.

“In addition, vaccination of the 16-17 year age group with the Sinovac vaccine has been certified safe and the group is encouraged to present themselves for vaccination. Sub-national structures have been tasked to come up with various initiatives to ramp up vaccination uptake to achieve herd immunity by year end, “she said.

She said the Ministry of Health and Child Care has put in place a detailed monitoring plan for the vaccination of pregnant and breastfeeding women as recommended by Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ), in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

Mutsvangwa said the country has adequate stocks of COVID-19 vaccine.

” To this end, let us all ensure that all those who are yet to be vaccinated present themselves for inoculation.

“The Government would like to assure the nation that Government has procured adequate stocks for this exercise, “she said.

As at 8 November 2021, a total of 3 379 391 first doses had been administered and 2 654 079 people having received their second dose of COVID-19 vaccines.

” Cabinet would like to express appreciation for the response by Zimbabweans that has resulted in the country doing better than most countries in Africa.

” However, we need to remain vigilant to ensure that we attain our set target of achieving herd immunity by year end. To this end, let us all ensure that all those who are yet to be vaccinated present themselves for inoculation,” said Mutsvangwa.

Mutsvangwa reminded the nation that the country was still under Level 2 Lockdown.

” Thus enforcement of Statutory Instrument 228b of 2021 still subsists. This means that all gatherings, including bars must only allow vaccinated clients. Let us all continue to work together to forestall a possible 4th wave,” she said.

As at 8 November 2021, Zimbabwe’s cumulative COVID-19 cases stood at 133 205 with 128 126 recoveries and 4690 deaths.

New Ziana