Only 620 health workers have received COVID_19 Jab in both Lira District and Lira City.
The two administrative units have approximately 1000 health workers scattered in different health facilities. The current data for vaccination then means only 620 have been vaccinated.
In March this year, the Ministry of Health launched the mass vaccination of people against COVID_19, starting with health workers in public and private health facilities who are considered to be at higher risk of contracting the disease by the nature of their work.
However, at LRRH, Dr. Stephen Obbo, the hospital’s director says over 90% of the staff has been vaccinated. Adding that efforts are underway to ensure that the remaining percentage also receive the jab.
But Josephine Awino, Assistant Nursing Officer in charge Art clinic at LRRH who believes that the other health workers were waiting to see how their colleagues would react to the vaccine is excited that the percentage of those vaccinated has increased.
She hopes that the rest of the team will get vaccinated to show a good example to others.
Similarly, Judith Adoc, the LCI Lira Referral Medical quarters says health workers are role models to many people and so having them vaccinated will not only protect them against COVID-19 but also give others the courage to be vaccinated.
Meanwhile the Ministry is now devising means of ensuring everyone is vaccinated. This Follows the low uptake of vaccine among health workers.
Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister of health said under the new intervention, unvaccinated staff will with time be barred from accessing the health facilities and eventually miss salaries.
The intervention is now being implemented in other government institutions like the National Medical Stores which announced that non- vaccinated staff and visitors will no longer be allowed to access its offices effective October 18 for all other visitors.