Kenyans urged to go for second dose of Astrazeneca vaccine as 358, 000 new doses arrive
Kenyans who received the first dose of the COVID-19 Astrazeneca vaccine have been urged to get ready to receive the second jab after 358, 000 new vaccine arrived in the country on Monday evening.
Speaking at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport when she received the consignment from Denmark, Health Principal Secretary Susan Mochache said the priority will be given to those who had received the first jab.
"We are optimistic that by midday tomorrow (Tuesday), some facilities in Nairobi will have received a portion of the vaccines and will resume its administration.
"Come Wednesday, the vaccines will have been availed to facilities across the country. We would wish that Kenyans who had received the 1st dose to come out and receive the 2nd dose," she said.
The PS further said the country expects 120, 000 new vaccines from COVAX facility.
"Kenya has also been singled out by the US government as a nation that will receive its donation to the world, this being 180,000 doses of the Astrazeneca vaccine," she said.
The PS added: "The Government through the Ministry of Health has also procured 10 million doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine from AU. These doses will come in the month of August. As J&J is a one dose vaccine, this consignment will notably propel the vaccination process in Kenya."
Asked Denmark put on hold use of Astrazeneca following reports of blood clots, the country ambassador to Kenya Ole Thonke said their Government took that step after they had successfully lowered COVID-19 numbers through mass testing, this backed by availability of other vaccines such as Pfizer.
