Mandera takes Corona vaccination to hard to reach areas

Mandera Health department has began rolling out Covid-19 vaccination campaign to all the seven subcounties.

Speaking in Lafey on Tuesday, Health Executive Mohamed Adan asked residents to come out in large numbers and get vaccinated.

He urged residents to shun retrogressive cultural beliefs that will hinder uptake of the vaccine.

Adan said they will give priority to health workers, those with under lying conditions and government workers.

" I urge residents to follow Ministry of Health Covid-19 protocols to curb new infections," he said, adding that most people are now not wearing face masks and this could lead to virus spread.

He said the Health department will be holding talks to sensitise the community on the importance of taking the Covid-19 jab.

Aden said the talks will also allow residents to ask questions pertaining the vaccines.

There have been growing fears among residents about the vaccines.

He said the Health department was aware of misinformations doing rounds about the vaccine, adding that sensitisation will be done across the county to help demystify myths about the vaccine.

“Covid-19 vaccination will help protect you by creating an antibody (immune system) response without having to experience sickness.  It will also offer some protection, known as immunity,” Aden said

He said they were targeting to inoculate among other places people in care homes and shelters, street families, densely populated informal settlements and individuals working in the entertainment and hospitality sector.

Aden who was accompanied by other senior county officials said they decided to provide information and make it clear how the vaccination will be done to avoid confusion among the residents.

He further emphasised the need for the residents to continue wearing masks and social distancing which he said helps reduce one's chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others.

Last week, Governor Ali Roba speaking at a function, urged residents to come out in large numbers and be vaccinated noting that health workers were spread across the county to provide the services.

“I want to ask residents to continue following protocols that have been provided by the Ministry of Health. As leaders we should continue leading by example and doing the right things so that we can keep this deadly disease away,” he said.

Edited by SKanyara