The Programme Manager of the Extended Programme on Immunization (EPI), Dr Kwame Amponsah-Achiano has confirmed that Ghana will be receiving new consignment of the AstraZeneca vaccine today.
Speaking in an interview, he stated that the exact amount of vaccines to be taken is unknown to his outfit.
“I don’t know the exact amount we will be receiving. What I do know is that we will be taking new consignment of the vaccine today. About some days ago, we were told to prepare to receive a new batch but the number was not disclosed.
“So, we are waiting, as soon as we get the green light to go ahead for it, our vans will be at the airport to take them.”
Dr. Achiano
Touching on if the incoming vaccines will be used as a second dose for those who have already taken the jab or be administered to new people, he disclosed that, it is the Health service’s intention to give it out as a second jab.
“Our intention is to gather and give the second round which is a few weeks away. The first people who got the first shot are due around the end of April. So, our focus now is to administer the second dose and not to widen the net.”
Dr. Achiano
He disclosed that, it will also mainly be for essential and health workers mainly in the Greater Accra and Central region, due to the high risks associated with these areas.
Expansion and Immunization
Touching on the expansion and immunization program with regards to the deployment of the vaccine already in the system, he indicated that the plan is to vaccinate mainly all health workers across the country.
“…its an ongoing process. Currently, we even have national monitors on the ground as I speak. Vaccination started last week for all the rest of the health workers across the nation to 217 districts that were initially not part currently being covered as I speak.”
Dr. Achiano
Furthermore, Mr. Achiano explained that, health workers are of main concern due to they being in the frontline of affairs on COVID-19.
“We are looking at those who are employed both private and public personnel. We are also looking at students, that is those who having what we call clinicals.”
Dr. Achiano
Other Vaccine Use
Commenting on the issue of the country not receiving other types of vaccines aside AstraZeneca, he said some vaccines did not pass the test by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). He further noted that more information has been requested on these vaccines and will be reviewed in due time to enable the country receive and use them.
Mr. Achiano disclosed also that, the country had received 15,000 Sputnik vaccines currently in their cold room. He explained that, the Sputnik vaccine comes in pairs and because they didn’t receive the full set which is said to come in pairs cannot be utilised.
“Sputnik comes in pairs so, the first dose is not the same as the second. So, we have 15,000 sitting in our cold room and 5,00 were paired. We cannot rush to use it. We have to get the full complement first.”
Dr. Achiano
He said the Ministry is still in negotiations and they are expectant that they will receive the full set in Ghana in due time.
