The Director, Social Ministry, Diocese of Lodwar, Mark Nakain, has urged the elderly and the disabled to get vaccinated against Covid-19 virus, saying they are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.
Speaking at his office, Mr Naikain advised the vulnerable groups to disregard those spreading rumors and misinformation about the vaccine.
“There are those I spoke to and accepted to go for the vaccine but all over sudden, some changed their minds, following rumors that the vaccine has adverse side effects including death,” said Nakain.
He acknowledged having received the first dose of the vaccine and has not experienced any side effects.
Nakain underscored the importance of vaccination, especially to the vulnerable groups with underlying health conditions such as HIV and Tuberculosis, to help boost their immunity against Covid-19 virus.
He, however, appealed to the Government to find ways to ensure the disabled receive the vaccine at their villages due to their nature of disability since they cannot make it to the County Referral Hospital in Lodwar, the only place where the vaccine is administered.
“If it would be possible, the government should ensure the vaccine is distributed to the dispensaries in the villages because the elderly and the people living with disability cannot move from one place to another easily,” he noted.
He further advised the residents to adhere to the Ministry of Health guidelines to prevent further spread of the virus.
The Director commended the government’s efforts toward combating the global pandemic by ensuring availability of the vaccine all over the country.
By Ekuwam Sylvester