By KALOBWE BWALYA
POOR turnout has characterised some health centres in Lusaka following the commencement of administering of booster vaccines and vaccination of children aged 12 years and above.
A check at Mtendere, Kalingalinga and Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital found the facilities isolated with few people going for their booster vaccines. A few children were found at Kalingalinga and Mtendere clinics for their vaccines.
This was after Health Minister Sylvia Masebo announced that administering of booster vaccines for people who earlier received the Covid-19 vaccinations and vaccination for children had commenced.
In an interview, Ms Margaret Chongo of Kalingalinga Township said the poor turnout should worry the authorities who need to carry out massive sensitisation on the importance of getting booster shots.
She however said the challenge is that from the word go, people had been doubting Covid-19 vaccination following the myth that whoever receives it may die prematurely.
Another parent, Mr Joseph Phiri, said there is need for the health authorities to ensure that the general public are informed fully.
Mr Phiri alleged that some health personnel also did not have enough knowledge on the booster, leading to people not being convinced to get the shots.
“It will be very important if the Ministry of Health may initiate massive sensitisation on the importance of one receiving the booster as well as the Covid-19 vaccination because the myth behind it has since put fear in people,” said Mr Phiri.
