The Zimbabwean Government has said that it is extending the Covid 19 vaccination campaign to children between the ages of 12 and 15 years.
Addressing a post cabinet media briefing yesterday, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Programs, Joram Gumbo said government has extended the Covid-19 vaccination programme to children between the ages of 12 and 15yrs.
The move comes on the backdrop of increased Covid 19 infections amongst pupils. Recent statistics show that 145 learners in 38 schools and 11 staff members had tested positive for the deadly virus.
“During the week under review, 145 learners in 38 schools tested positive for Covid-19, while 11 members of staff also tested positive.
“In view of the science-based guidance from the Paediatric Association of Zimbabwe special Covid-19 vaccine group, Cabinet resolved that the Covid-19 vaccine be extended to the 12 to 15 yr age group,” Gumbo said.
He also said the Ministry of Health and Child Care would prepare and mobilize communities for the March to June national vaccination blitz.
“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 mobilize communities for the March to June national vaccination blitz,” the Minister said.
Cabinet urged strict enforcement of all Covid-19 regulations coupled with strengthened risk communication on the pandemic.
