Physician Dr Ismael Katjitae has said COVID-19 vaccinations have proved to be very effective against all current COVID-19 variants, saying vaccination could be the only possible way to control the pandemic thus far.

Speaking at a media conference here on Wednesday, Katjitae said many people are scared to get vaccinated due to false information about the vaccines. However so far, experience has shown that all approved vaccines are very effective and could help control the pandemic.

He explained that the COVID-19 situation in Namibia has escalated due to people’s ignorant behaviour towards preventative measures, including vaccination.

“If we do not adhere to the measures put in place, the pandemic will get out of control. However, the sad part is that people are given the solution, which is the vaccines,” he noted.

The doctor explained that in many European countries such as the United Kingdom, COVID-19 deaths have declined drastically, with no deaths reported in the last two weeks, as over 50 per cent of their populations have been vaccinated.

“The main game-changer for these countries, including America, is the vaccines. Our people have been provided with the same solution; however, people are reluctant to get vaccinated, yet they are not complying with other preventative measures such as wearing the mask,” he said.

Katjitae also noted that people in other parts of the world where there is a shortage of vaccines “are crying to be vaccinated,” adding that Namibians are actually fortunate to have the possibility of everyone getting a vaccine.

“If Namibians were really serious about bringing an end to this pandemic, they need to get vaccinated. However, our people choose to listen to uninformed individuals who are sabotaging the only tool to get this country out of this pandemic,” he said.

Namibia had by Wednesday administered 70 585 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and 10 000 second doses, with a death toll of 865 and 56 264 cumulative confirmed cases.

Source: Namibia Press Agency