Nakuru County is stepping up its campaign against Covid-19 by adopting the use of multiple vaccines, to supplement the Oxford AstraZeneca doses.
County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Health, Dr Zachary Kariuki Gichuki, said public health facilities have embraced administration of Moderna, Sino pharm, Johnson and Johnson and Pfizer vaccines, as a way of expanding the scope of immunization.
Speaking when he inaugurated a two-day training programme on multiple vaccine administration for over 200 health providers at the Level Five Teaching and Referral Hospital, Dr Gichuki indicated that with the new strategy, the County was hoping to vaccinate at least 300,000 people by the end of the year.
Kenya plans to vaccinate 26 million adult Kenyans by the end of June next year and at least 10 million by Christmas this year.
The CEC was flanked by County Director for Public Health, Ms. Elizabeth Kiptoo, County Chief Nursing Officer, Ms. Virginia Njenga, County Health Promotion Officer, Ms. Ellen Ngware, and County Pharmacist, Dr Simon Wangia.
Dr. Kariuki urged residents to continue observing Ministry of Health guidelines, even after being vaccinated. “These vaccines are just one of the interventions to avoid contracting the virus, but the most importantly is the need for observing the MoH protocols. Please do not lower your guard,” said Dr. Kariuki.
He stated that the number of people turning-up for their vaccinations has doubled, since more inoculation sites were opened several months ago.
“The County Administration has organized outreach programmes, to help mobilize people who may not reach the health facilities, such as the aged. We decided to go to the community so that we increase accessibility to the vaccine,” he added.
The CEC revealed that the health workers would be informed about the new vaccines available and their efficacy and what patient’s information and health needs may be for safe and timely inoculation.
“The training will also cover patient communication, symptom management, skills development and a transdisciplinary approach, to address physical and emotional suffering, brought about by Covid-19,” Dr. Gichuki stated.
By Jane Ngugi
