THE Matabeleland North provincial health department says it has begun administering Covid-19 vaccination to the rural population amid impressive numbers as villagers are keen on getting inoculated.
NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
According to the provincial medical director, Munekayi Padingani, jabs will be administered at local clinics and district referral hospitals.
“This is a national rollout and as Matabeleland North we would like to urge our people in those rural areas to take up these vaccinations without any hesitancy in order for us to be able to manage the situation,” he said.
“This includes everyone who is between 18 to 65 years without any chronic illness and expecting or breastfeeding mothers, so all those who fit in the category, be it in Nkayi, Lupane or Tsholotsho, should make sure that they visit our health institutions for vaccination.”
The province had the lowest Covid-19-related deaths, at 17, while active positive cases are currently 11.
Victoria Falls was used as a pioneer in mass vaccination, with all residents between the ages of 18 and 65 benefitting. District medical doctor Fungai Musinami said an estimated 19 100 residents have received their first dose in the tourist city.
The target is 25 000 residents.
“We would like to encourage the residents who received their first doses to come again in numbers so that by the end of this rollout, most of our people would have been vaccinated as we try to open our tourism destination,” she said.
“For now, to our residents, we would like to advise them to please attend the same static site where you were originally vaccinated for your second vaccine dose.”
“If you attended a mobile site, please go to Victoria Falls Hospital where your main records are held. Please do not miss this second vaccination, it is essential to activate your immunity levels.”
As of Wednesday this week, 7 402 received their first dose, bringing the cumulative first doses to 295 631 while 587 received their second dose, bringing cumulative second doses to 37 365.
On the same day, the Health and Child Care ministry reported that there were 41 hospitalised cases nationwide. The report said only eight patients presented severe signs with four being in intensive care.
The national recovery rate stands at 92.9%.
Padingani called for continued adherence to Covid-19 prevention guidelines even after one has taken their second vaccination doses.
In Victoria Falls, vaccination is administered at Victoria Falls Hospital, clinics, lodges, schools, at the open space, Victoria Falls International Airport, restaurants and Sprayview military camp and other points.
