At least 900 health workers have been vaccinated with AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, in an exercise targeting frontline health workers.
This is in line with the nationwide phase one in the fight against COVID-19 in Lamu that targets 1,500 healthcare workers that provide other essential health services.
Speaking at the King Fahd Hospital in Lamu after receiving the jab, Lamu Health CEC Dr Ann Gathoni divulged that frontline health workers in Lamu will be given priority as they continue to lead the way in the fight against the scourge.
“I can assure health workers in Lamu and the public that these vaccines are safe and effective. With this vaccination we will get much closer to ending this pandemic,” Dr. Gathoni stated.
She further noted that distribution of these vaccines to other healthcare facilities across the county is underway to ensure easy access to all health practitioners and their other members of staff. Those vaccinated will have to wait for 8 weeks before they get their second shot.
She also called on Lamu County residents to continue observing public health measures in place even as the vaccination campaign continues, “always wear your masks when venturing out, practice social distancing and avoid congested gatherings and settings,” she added.
The first phase of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign started in Kenya last week targeting frontline health workers. The state department of Health guidelines give priority to frontline workers such as healthcare professionals, teachers, and security personnel.
Also speaking to KNA on phone Lamu Governor Fahim Twaha stated that the county will seek to ensure more vaccines are brought through phase two and phase three which will concurrently run through the year in a bid to ensure that all residents are vaccinated.
He stated that the release of the AstraZeneca vaccine to the counties is a step towards the country returning to normalcy.
by Amenya Ochieng
