13 Feb 2022

Government plans to introduce COVID-19 vaccination digital card with QR code before end of February to curb the booming black market in fake cards.

“Authenticity of the card document will be verified to avert proliferation of fake documents,” said Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Edwin Dikoloti in Gaborone on Friday.

He said such cards would be convenient especially for cross-border travellers.

On other issues, Dr Dikoloti noted that the ministry was experiencing low uptake of vaccines especially by those in the 18-29 age group which falls within phase three of the vaccination programme.

“There is also an unsatisfactory uptake of booster shots by most people who have taken their primary vaccination. About 79 000 have taken booster shots countrywide and that number is low,” he said.

Dr Dikoloti said there currently more than three million doses of various COVID-19 vaccines in hand for vaccination of all Batswana and residents aged 12 years and above. Ends