Amref launches night Covid vaccinations to boost uptake

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 the uptake of vaccines and ensure the country attains herd immunity.

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 the uptake of vaccines and ensure the country attains herd immunity.

This initiative is being spearheaded by the county government in collaboration with 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 spirit of leaving no one behind,” Amref said.

The initiative also includes mobile vaccinations within the various Nairobi sub-counties, 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 9 pm.

Currently, 37 per cent of the country’s 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.

Article first published on https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/realtime/2023-01-19-amref-launches-night-covid-vaccinations-to-boost-uptake/?utm_source=ground.news&utm_medium=referral