Accra reaches 80% of its vaccination target

THE Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate said on Wednesday that it has reached more than 80% of its targeted population in the first phase of the country’s Covid-19 vaccination exercise, reported Modern Ghana.

On March 2, health authorities in Accra began the mass vaccination of people living in some 43 epicentre districts in the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Central regions.

In February, Ghana became the first country in the world to receive 600 000 vaccine doses as part of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Covax programme, a global initiative aimed at achieving equitable access to coronavirus vaccines.

According to local media, the region was allocated more than 300 000 vaccine doses for phase one of the exercise.

Modern Ghana reported that although there were some concerns about vaccine scepticism, acceptance of the programme improved during its roll-out.

For Ghana to achieve herd immunity, at least 60% of its 31 million residents will need to be vaccinated.

According to The Conversation, the goal of President Nana Akufo Addo is that every Ghanaian should be vaccinated. However, the timeline for this remains unclear.

Meanwhile, several African countries have banned the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, citing possible side effects.

According to various media reports, isolated cases of blood clots forming in those who received the AstraZeneca vaccine have been reported in some countries.

However, the WHO has urged countries to continue to use the AstraZeneca vaccine, saying the benefits outweigh the risks. |