HERD IMMUNITY

Amref launches night Covid vaccinations to boost uptake

MoH says only 37% of the country target population is fully vaccinated

In Summary

• The initiative dubbed ‘the moonlight vaccination' seeks to reach residents who come from work late, when regular vaccination posts have closed.

• This is a strategy in the renewed effort to increase uptake of vaccines and ensure the country attains herd immunity.

A health worker receives the Covid-19 jab at the Meru Level 5 Hospital
HERD IMMUNITY: A health worker receives the Covid-19 jab at the Meru Level 5 Hospital
Image: GERALD MUTETHIA

Nairobi residents who might not get time off their busy schedule during the day can now get vaccinated against Covid-19 past working hours.

The initiative dubbed ‘the moonlight vaccination' seeks to reach residents who come from work late, when regular vaccination posts have closed.

This is a strategy in the renewed effort to increase uptake of vaccines and ensure the country attains herd immunity.

This initiative is is being spearheaded by the county government in collaboration with the Amref Health Africa.

“Through the moonlight Covid-19 vaccination drive, we allow people who were not able to get vaccinated during the day to get the vaccines. This is in the sprit of leaving no one behind,” Amref said.

The initiative also includes mobile vaccinations within the various Nairobi subcounties, to bring vaccination services closer to the people.

Health being a devolved function, counties have been coming up with innovative ways to increase the uptake of vaccines.

Moonlight vaccination drive has worked well in counties such as Nyeri and Kiambu that saw the drives run until 9pm.

Currently, 37 per cent of the country target population is fully vaccinated as per the Ministry of Health data.

The ministry has enhanced the awareness campaign to ensure Kenyans understand the importance of getting the jab.

This includes dispensing any myths and misconceptions that Kenyans hold against the vaccines.

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