COVID-19 : AstraZeneCa vaccines en route to the regions
The AstraZeneCa vaccines that arrived Cameroon on April 17, are en route to the country’s 10 regions. They are expected in the regions from midday on April 20.
Authorities dispatched the vaccines to the regions few hours after their reception at the Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport.
Cameroon’s Public Health Minister, Dr. Manaouda Malachie and the WHO Resident Representative , Phanuel Habimana received the vaccines.
Who gets what ?
The vaccines have been apportioned based on the most affected regions. Regions where infections are higher get more doses of the vaccine.
According to the Expanded Program on Immunization the affected regions will receive the following doses
Center, 89,500
Far North , 51,000
North Region, 31,000
North West , 23,500
East, 17,500
Adamawa, 17,000
The regions not included on this chart will also receive doses commensurate to infections.
Who will be immunized ?
Cameroon’s immunization plan is currently in its first phase. According to authorities, health personnel, persons aged 50 and above, and those suffering from pre-existing health conditions are the primary target.
But subsequently, every other person not necessarily in any of the target groups will also be eligible for the vaccines.
The AstraZeneCa vaccine is known to have over 70% effectiveness. Dr. Shalom NDOULA, Permanent Secretary of the Expanded Program on Immunization in the Ministry of Public Health adds that the vaccine prevents severe forms of the virus and death by up to 89%. The data from Scotland also shows an effectiveness in reducing new cases of COVID-19 when the vaccination coverage is beyond a certain percentage”.
Kathy Neba Sina