NAIROBI,Kenya,Nov, 24 – The ministry of health has annoced that Kenya has received 7.5 million special syringes meant for the administration of the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine.
Last month, the health ministry revealed that the administration of the pfizer vaccine would be delayed citing a lack of the specialised syringes.
It said that a specialized dead space syringe is required and suitable in the inoculation of those seeking to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
Pfizer is among five vaccines authorised vaccines for use in the country alongside AstraZeneca/Covishield, Pfizer, Moderna, Sinopharm as well as the Johnson and Johnson vaccines.
“We expect 4 million vaccines soon, so the syringes are in readiness for that. Meanwhile Kenya has received an additional 907,200 doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The consignment, which arrived at JKIA on Wednesday afternoon, was a donation from MasterCard foundation,” read a tweet from the ministry of health.
Between now and the end of December the government expects 8 million more vaccines on top of the 10.7 million already received.
The government is also procuring 13 million doses of Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine through the Avat mechanism.
A further 1.6 million doses of Johnson and Johnson is expected in early December.
WHO On Vaccination Drive
Earlier this month the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that only five African countries would meet the target of fully vaccinating 40% of their populations against COVID-19 unless the pace of inoculations accelerates across the continent.
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout may be slowed by an “imminent shortfall” of up to 2.2 billion auto-disposable syringes globally needed to administer the jab and routine immunisations barring an increase in their manufacturing, WHO Africa said.
At present there is no global stockpile of the specialised syringes which are in high demand, and they will remain in short supply at least through the first quarter of 2022.
WHO Africa said in a statement that Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa have already experienced delays in receiving syringes.
“Early next year COVID-19 vaccines will start pouring into Africa, but a scarcity of syringes could paralyse progress. Drastic measures must be taken to boost syringe production, fast,” said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Africa’s director.
“However, at the current pace, Africa still faces a 275 million shortfall of COVID-19 vaccines against the year-end target of fully vaccinating 40% of its people,” they said.
Vaccination Drive.
The ministry of health is now calling on Kenyans to receive their jab as the battle against he pandemic intensifies.
Recently, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, revealed that it will soon be obligatory for Kenyans to provide proof of vaccination in order to receive key service by December 21,2021.
Kagwe during a joint press conference with Tourism and Wildlife CS Najib Balala revealed that despite the country’s positivity rate over the last 14 days ranging between 0.8 – 2.6 per cent, there is still need to be extra vigilant particularly after president Uhuru Kenyatta lifted or eased some of the containment measures that had been instituted.
“The current decline in the number of new infections may be attributed to a buildup of immunity both through natural exposure to the disease and the ongoing vaccination exercise. Nonetheless, we know that it’s not yet time for us to celebrate,” said Kagwe.
Must be Vaccinated To Receive Gov’t Services
As part of the proposed strategies that are expected to be implemented by December, 21, 2021,every Kenyan seeking in person government services will now be expected to be fully vaccinated while providing proof of vaccination.
In turn, Kenyans will now be incapable of accessing KRA services, Education, Immigration Services, Hospital and Prison Visitation, NTSA and Port Services among others.
“In order to accelerate vaccination, the Ministry in collaboration with County Governments and other stakeholders will be undertaking a ten-day mass vaccination exercise from November 26th with the aim of administering adequate vaccines to as many people as possible,
Proof Of Vaccination To Use Public Transport
With millions of Kenyans nationwide said to heavily rely on public transportation to reach to their various destinations, those using buses, rail transport including SGR and air transport will now be required to show proof of vaccination before boarding.
“all motorable operators, that is Drivers, Conductors, Bodaboda riders, Pilots, Air Hostesses and all others working in the sector should be fully vaccinated and carry proof of vaccination at all times,” he said.
Kagwe revealed that the ministry of transport alongside that of interior and coordination of national government will enforce the strategies alongside other relevant stakeholders.
Hotels,Bars and Restaurants
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospitality industry was among those that were severely affected, with government directed bars, restaurants and hotels to close shop.
In recent months however the sector has slowly but surely been roaring back to life. Tor ensure this is not affected, they too will now be forced to ensure those wishing to use their facilities are also fully vaccinated.
This will also include access to public parks and other recreation facilities.
“All businesses, including Small and Medium Enterprises serving 50 or more people a day to put up signage requiring proof of vaccination before entry into their premises and their patron’s to be fully vaccinated,”
All indoor gatherings in churches, mosques and temples will now be limited to two thirds capacity.
The country’s various border crossings and port of health will also now on high alert to ensure those entering the country comply with the new regulations.
For instance, Visitors,Tourists or travellers from the European region are now obligated to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination before entry into the country.
As of November 23, 2021, a total of 103,506 vaccines have been administered, 53,506 are first doses while 50,000 are second doses. We’re happy to note the doubling of people presenting themselves for the first dose compared to last week.
A total of 6,597,597 vaccines had so far been administered across the country. Of these, 4,087,317 were partially vaccinated while those fully vaccinated were 2,510,280. The uptake of the second dose among those who received their first dose was at 57.1%.
35 people have tested positive for the disease, from a sample size of 4,246 tested in the last 24 hours. The positivity rate is now at 0.8%. Total confirmed positive cases are now 254,816 and cumulative tests so far conducted are 2,811,260.
Contribution By Agencies (Reuters)
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