Staff Reporter

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, revealed that, based on the available scientific data in line with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe guidance, the specialist paediatricians have recommended the vaccination of the 16 to 17 year age group with the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine.

“The Ministry wishes to advise the public that COVID-19 vaccination of the 16-17 year age group has been approved. All provinces, Secondary schools, Colleges, Universities and Vacation Centres are hereby required to commence the vaccination campaign of this age group with immediate effect,” reads part of the statement.

According to the statement, the country is accelerating the implementation of the national vaccination programme and has reached a national coverage of 38 percent of the targeted population as at 31 October 2021.

The Health and Child Care has warned that in the absence of effective medical and health interventions, herd immunity remains the unmet need for Zimbabwean population. The Government is determined to achieve herd immunity by end of December.

Meanwhile, a total of 3 317 010 have been vaccinated against COVID -19 in Zimbabwe. As at 1 November 2021, the country had 133 007 confirmed cases, including 127 754 recoveries and 4 679 deaths.