By Thobekile Khumalo
Matabeleland South province last week administered 30 000 Covid-19 vaccines to children between the ages of 12 and 18 before winter season which might result in a spike of Covid-19 confirmed cases.
This follows the government’s approval for the vaccination of younger age group to help Zimbabwe achieve herd immunity against Covid-19 last month.
Dr Andrew Muza, Provincial Epidermiology and Disease Control Officer (PEDCO) in Matabeleland South said the response to vaccination of younger age groups has been good and is promising towards containing the spread of Covid-19.
“The response has been good and there is an increased demand for vaccines across the province especially during this campaign period.
“We have 142 health care centers plus mobile sites which are moving around in schools to make sure that every child between that age is reached,” he said.
He said that as Matabeleland South province their aim is to vaccinate at least 80 percent of their population.
“Our target is to reach at least 80 percent of the total population of 12 years and above.
“The approval means we are now within reach of herd immunity as Matabeleland South because before it was impossible to reach herd immunity even if we were to vaccinate all eligible adults. Now the vaccination of the 80 percent of the total population is possible which is short of herd immunity,” said Dr Muza.
As of yesterday, Matabeleland South province has 16 199 confirmed cases, including 15 884 recoveries and 198 deaths.
