Kenyans Reluctant In Covid-19 Vaccine Uptake

By Clinton Ochieng

Health workers have conveyed mixed feelings towards the uptake of the AstraZeneca vaccine as Kenya starts a vaccination program as one million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine are expected into the country.

An official of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), Goody Gor said she is reluctant to receive the vaccine over claims that its efficiency has not yet been determined.

She went on to say that more research on the vaccine is still being done and noted that individuals who receive the jab have to stay indoors because they are still at risk of infection.

The doctor added that even with the vaccine, the public still has to wear masks and observe Covid-19 preventive measures. Health care and frontline workers including security personnel and teachers are among those to receive the vaccine.

Were Onyino, the president of the Kenya Medical Association recognized hesitancy among healthcare professionals to lack adequate stakeholder involvement and public education on the importance and safety of the vaccine and its rollout.

For instance, the Covid-19 taskforce committee led by Dr. Willis Akhwale does not have a representative of frontline health workers. He, however, said the association is ready to work with the government for the smooth rollout of the vaccination program.

Alfred Obengo, the president of the National Nurses Association of Kenya said they have been kept in the dark on the vaccine. He admitted that the association held two meetings with the Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe who promised to have all health care providers engaged but this has not happened.

To prevent reluctance among Kenyans, there should be sensitization on the side effects, information on clinical trials that guaranteed its approval, its effectiveness in boosting immunity, and the cost of the vaccine

READ: Africa To Use Ksh 1,200,000,000,000 To Access Covid-19 Vaccine