Lira runs out of COVID-19 vaccine amidst overwhelming demand

Lira district has run out of stock of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.

Last week, Lira District received 1,300 doses which were shared between Ogur and Amach Health Centre IV. Lira City got 1,700 doses which were distributed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Lira University teaching hospital and PAG General Hospital.

Since Monday people have been camping at the former Akiibua Stadium, one of the vaccination points for Lira Hospital waiting to receive their jabs in vain due to the big turn up. On Wednesday, hundreds of people who had turned up to receive their second jab were turned away after being told that the vaccines were finished.

Edmond Aceka, the acting District Health Officer says that the vaccine shortages follows a recent increase in uptake of the covid-19 vaccine among the population in the area.

Aceka also says that the additional doses were inadequate. He however says that they were expecting more doses.

Vincent Obua, a resident of Ngetta sub-county says that he had turned up for vaccination but was left stranded following stock out of the vaccines. He also says that the health workers carrying out the vaccination are slow.

Betty Atim, a resident of Aloi sub-County in Alebtong district says that she traveled to Lira Regional Referral Hospital with the hope of getting her first jab, but missed out due to the high number of people.

Tom Onyuti, a resident of Akitenino village in Lira City who is yet to get his first jab is worried that overcrowding at the designated vaccination points may lead to an increase in infection of the virus.

He also says that the stock out of the vaccines could jeopardize the fight against the virus.

However, Dr Jimmy Sewanyana the in charge of vaccination at Lira Regional Referral Hospital says that they have fully utilized their stock. He explains that priority was given to people receiving the second doses, teachers and health workers, but some who were receiving their first jab turned up in big numbers.

So far more than 2,800 people in Lira have already received their second dose while more than 9,000 has received their first dose.