No Covid-19 vaccine for children

Government has said all children below the age of 18 will not receive the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.

A statement issued by Secretary for Health Charles Mwansambo and Raphael Agabu from the Ministry of Education said schools will not be used as vaccination centres.

The statement said the vaccination exercise will only be done in public health facilities and those under Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM).

The decision is based on medical grounds that the vaccine is not suitable for children as such no child will be vaccinated.

The statement has further indicated that no one will be forced to be vaccinated as it is not compulsory.

The statement further emphasizes that the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and is promoted across the world.

According to the statement, the first group to receive the first jab of the AstraZeneca are the health workers.

It says health facilities will announce vaccination days for groups from other professions who may want and are eligible for vaccination.

“Priority will be given to members of the Police Service, Military Service, Immigration, teachers, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses like diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure and heart diseases,” the statement reads.

But reacting to the development, Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) executive director, George Jobe, said measures should be put in place to ensure that all children entirely protected from the disease as they will not be vaccinated.