By Mariam Namakula
The Ministry of Health has warned the public against mixing Covid-19 vaccines ahead of Moderna Vaccines roll out on Monday next week.
While addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre on Thursday, Mr Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the Ministry of Health public relations officer, said the Moderna vaccine will be administered to all those who have not received any vaccine.
He said it is intended to cover a high number of the priority population in the shortest time possible to enable safe re-opening of the economy.
“There is limited information on the effects of mixing vaccines and therefore every client must have the same type of vaccine as both their first and second dose,” Mr Ainebyoona said.
He said this is consistent with guidance received from the Vaccine Advisory Committee, adding that the government had not received any recommendation for any ‘mix-and-match of the vaccine.
The ministry spokesperson urged health workers to verify whether the client has received any vaccine prior to administering any to avoid the mixing.
Administering Moderna vaccines will commence on Monday in all districts except Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono, targeting persons above 50 years, all chronic care clinics for diabetes, hypertension, kidney and other chronic underlying medical conditions through targeted outreaches.
The vaccine is administered in two doses, 4 weeks apart.
Government has so far received a total of 5,129,763 doses through donations with the latest of 335,000 from the government of Ireland of which 2,152,840 doses have been utilized countrywide.
As of September 28, Uganda has a total of 123,572 Covid cases, 96,097 recoveries, and 3,156 deaths.
