Executive Director in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Ben Nangombe has called on members of the public awaiting their second jabs for AstraZeneca vaccine to not panic, assuring that the dose can be delayed for six weeks.
Nangombe in an interview with Nampa said the ministry is aware that there are at least 70 000 people waiting to receive their second doses of the vaccine and that most of these people’s waiting period is overdue, but assured that data from World Health Organisation shows that the second dose can be delayed for up to six weeks.
Namibia started running low on vaccine in early July and by 14 July some districts including Windhoek had completely run out of AstraZeneca while districts that had the vaccines in stock were encouraged to prioritise first doses. The country is now waiting for delivery of 40 800 doses of AstraZeneca procured through the COVAX Facility.
Nangombe said the delay is on the side of the COVAX Facility who had promised to deliver in early July but has since pushed the delivery to an unspecified date “sometime in August”.
“We have paid money, we have submitted letters and we have done our part regarding the procurement process, but the distributers are the one delaying the process. We are being told that the delay is with logistics on their part. There is no specified date yet and we can only call for calm from the public. We are working day and night to ensure that all individuals whose second dose of vaccination is outstanding, will be vaccinated as soon as the doses become available,” Nangombe said.
Last week the ministry announced that the State of Netherlands has also pledged and confirmed that they will support Namibia with 75 000 doses of AstraZeneca. The ministry is expecting information on the delivery date.
Government has also procured 333 333 doses of Johnson and Johnson from the African Union Platform and 9 714 of these doses will be delivered during the week of 23 August 2021.
Furthermore, the country will receive a donation of 302 000 doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccines from the United States of America via the COVAX Facility.
Source: Namibia Press Agency
