Copperbelt Province Health Director Robert Zulu has disclosed that the region is targeting 80 percent of the eligible population to be vaccinated against the coronavirus (Covid-19).
Dr. Zulu said all the people that are eligible should not panic as the vaccination programme is ongoing in the province, noting that it is being done in phases.
He explained that among the eligible population to be vaccinated are the elderly, frontline workers and those who are most vulnerable to contracting Covid-19.
“There is overwhelming response from the people to get the vaccine which is very good. And there has been issues of the vaccine expiring in some countries but that is not the case with us because of the high demand for the vaccine,” he said.
Dr. Zulu added that the province is still receiving more vaccines from Lusaka to ensure that the most vulnerable groups of people are vaccinated.
He noted that there are people who take time to make decisions but pointed out that no one will be turned away from getting vaccinated.
The Copperbelt province, like other provinces, is administering the first dose of Covid vaccine to unvaccinated people and the second to those who got the first vaccine a few weeks ago.
Meanwhile, the administering of the first dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccine in Mufulira district in the Copperbelt province has been characterized by overwhelming response from members of the public.
Mufulira District Commissioner, Mike Manda disclosed that the district received its consignment of the Astra Zeneca vaccine on July 10, 2021, adding that the vaccination exercise commenced yesterday on July 10, 2021.
Mr. Manda said the vaccination exercise has been well received by residents hence they turned up in large numbers to receive the vaccine from various designated sites.
“I was very impressed to find long queues of people waiting to be vaccinated, which means that people are seeing the importance of being vaccinated,” he said.
He said the district is also currently administering the second dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccine.
“We received the second dose of the vaccine on 1st July, 2021 and the exercise is ongoing because individuals have different days they qualify to get their second dose,” Mr. Manda explained.
He has since urged members of the public to continue turning up in big numbers to receive the vaccine.
Mr. Manda said there have been no reports of negative reaction from those who have received the vaccine in the country.
“Government means well by bringing this vaccine. A lot of tests have been conducted and it has proven to be safe,” he said.
Meanwhile, many citizens have expressed happiness that government has availed them the chance to be vaccinated amidst the deadly third wave of Covid-19.
One of the residents, Thandiwe Tembo said she was grateful to receive her first dose and believes that it will save her life from Covid-19.
You can target what you want, but without vaccines you’re not going to get anywhere! For the moment less than 1% of the population has been vaccinated. PF: Lying about everything, not delivering anything!
Vaccination is the only protection against the deadly virus. Everyone should get it. Let’s beat the virus.
That is a decent target. Every province should work on these lines and protect citizens. Good going CB!
People, don’t pay attention to what the UPND stooges are saying. They want to use the pandemic for their politics. We should not allow them to exploit us.
Vaccination doesn’t guarantee that you won’t catch the infection, but it guarantees that the effect would be minimal. It will give you immunity against the deadly impact. Therefore, everyone must get vaccinated.
Even after vaccination, we have to strictly abide by the Covid19 protocol of wearing mask, hand sanitization and social distancing. Social distancing especially from UPND that is spreading the virus in the country.
Commendable job Mr Zulu!! Keep it up, you are the inspiration for others.
My humble appeal to one and all, don’t avoid vaccine. It is for the safety of everyone, you and your loved ones.
Vaccine is completely safe. There is only effect it has on you. It protects you form the virus. Take it.
Have faith in scientists who have been working literally round the clock to bring the vaccine in record time. They are doctors, they won’t do anything that will harm you.
This is really great. That is the sign that government cares for us. Let’s cooperate the government to serve us better.