HEALTH PS RE-LAUNCHES COVID-19 VACCINATION AS VIHIGA RECORDS 185,000 TURN UP IN FIRST PHASE
Out of a 343,000 target, 185,000 people in Vihiga County turned up for COVID-19 vaccination.
This is according to Vihiga Governor Hon. Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo who was addressing residents today at the Vihiga County Referral Hospital (VCRH) grounds during the re-launch of COVID-19 vaccination by Ministry of Health Principal Secretary (PS) Susan Mochache, CBS.
According to the Governor, most residents failed to get the vaccine following misconceptions and misinformation in regard to the exercise.
“Despite our people getting wrong perception and information on the COVID-19 vaccine, I want to appreciate our Health staff for working hard to ensure that we attain the 54% turn out,” Said Dr. Ottichilo.
The County Boss further confirmed that the Health Department will avail the vaccines to health facilities at grassroots level to ensure that those who missed during the first phase are vaccinated.
In her remarks, Health PS Susan Mochache stated that COVID-19 positive cases are currently on the rise thus forcing the Ministry to review its previous guidelines amongst them being wearing of face masks while in public.
The PS also urged those who are fully vaccinated to get boosters in order to strengthen their immunity against the pandemic.
Additionally, Mochache commended Governor Ottichilo for the milestones he has achieved in the Health Sector in as far as the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is concerned.
Department of Health Acting CECM Prof. Inonda Mwanje outlined channels the department is using in sensitizing residents to turn up for the COVID-19 vaccine amongst them being use of local media stations, Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) and public gatherings.
Chief Officer In Charge of Health Services Dr. Mary Anyienda on her part made a clarion call to those who had turned up for the vaccine to inform others out there on the important of being vaccinated and getting boosters.
Alongside the Governor and Department of Health officials, PS Mochache also presided over the Vihiga County Health Awards ceremony at Equator Resort, Gambogi where excellent performing health facilities were recognized and awarded with trophies, certificates, equipment and cash tokens for their dedicated service.