28 Jul 2021

The second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign is said to be moving smoothly in Greater Francistown.

An official of Greater Francistown District Health Management Team (DHMT), Ms Boitshwarelo Masunda, said they had managed to vaccinate over 3 000 people, since the campaign started on July 24.

However, Ms Masunda said they might run out of the Pfizer vaccine as many people had registered in large numbers in the second phase of the campaign.

She said the other challenge was long queues at the vaccination sites because a lot of people were now more willing to take the jab, adding that even though this was commendable, there were fears that they might spread or contract the deadly virus.

Ms Masunda lamented the shortage of staff in health care facilities due to isolation and therefore advised people to register online where they would also be informed when to come for their jab.

She also commended health workers for risking their health in the fight against the pandemic.

She further explained that though phase two had started, priority had to be given to those receiving their second dose, as they were at risk of contracting the virus.

Ms Masunda reiterated that the COVID-19 vaccine was not a cure, but a means to boosting the immune system, advising people to continue adhering to all the COVID-19 health protocols, which include wearing of face masks; covering the mouth and nose, washing hands with soap and water or sanitising; practicing social distancing and avoiding social gatherings. ENDS