23 February 2022
Lindie Dube
The Zimbabwe Cabinet, on Tuesday, approved that children from the age of 12 years can now be vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus.
Previously only children aged 16 years and above were eligible for vaccination.
The resolution came based on advise from the Paediatric Association of Zimbabwe special Covid-19 Vaccine, Group.
The Chairman of the Ministers’ Covid-19 National Committe, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga stated;
“i. That, in view of the science-based guidance from the Paediatric Association of Zimbabwe Special COVID-19 Vaccine Group, COVID-19 vaccination be extended to the 12 to 15 years age group.
ii. that the Risk Communication Sub-committee should urgently meet with the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) unit of the Ministry of Health and Child Care and begin to prepare and mobilise communities for the March to June national vaccination blitz.
iii. that Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution and their teams should urgently finalise their updated vaccination strategies and micro plans for the harmonised vaccination blitz in line with the agreed timelines; and
iv. that strict enforcement of all COVID-19 regulations must continue, coupled with strengthened risk communication on the pandemic must continue.”
According to statistics from the Health and Child Care Ministry, 219 cases were recorded on Monday with 64 of them being in schools.
“During the week under review, 45 leaners in 38 schools have tested positive of COVID-19 while 11 members of staff also tested positive, all these active cases detected through the school surveillance system are under isolation and are being managed by the Health and Child Care Department
In November last year, COVID-19 vaccination was extended to teenagers over the age of 16.
As at 22 February 4 340 630 received the 1st dose and 3 373 168 while 105 570 have received their 3rd dose of the Vaccine.
Cabinet advises that the number of people in need of hospitalization for Covid-19 increased, with the country’s bed occupancy rate increasing from 1,3% the previous week to 2,1% during the week under review. A total of 54 new admissions were recorded during the week compared to 32 the previous week.
*Zim GBC News *
Classified Ads