Ministry of Health adds more groups to the list of those who qualify for booster doses.

In her address to the nation about the update on covid19 response and vaccination coverage around the country in Kampala, the Minister of Health Hon. Ruth Aceng prolonged the list of the beneficiaries of booster doses adding Teachers, Health workers and Security forces.

Initially, H.E the president had indicated that by the beginning of February 2022 those who are ready to receive booster jabs will be administered to them but he prioritized the elderly (50years and above) in his campaign because they pose the greatest danger from the virus.

Minister Aceng enlightened that following the presidential directive, the Health Ministry she heads in addition to the elderly its to add these groups because of their high level of contact with other members of the public during their day-to-day activities.

Other groups like the Media, Religious leaders, Boda-boda riders, Market vendors & workers, Bar and night club workers and Taxi drivers & conductors will also come on board by the end of March 2022 she added.

According to the Minister, the recommended groups are only eligible to booster doses if they completed their primary vaccine series at least 6 months ago and currently the Ministry is working on a system that will be able to validate all vaccination cards to enable comprehension of all those who attempt to falsify their vaccination status.

On the status of covid19 in the country, the Minister said that the positivity rates have consistently increased since December 11th and by the time we ushered in the New Year it was on 23.3% and this has increased mainly because of the public’s downplay and acting outside the guidelines issued by the Ministry.

So far, 12,085,428 doses of covid19 vaccines have been administered to the population in Uganda covering a percentage of 18.2% as the government continues to prioritize vaccination as a strategic intervention to protect the population.

The Minister also continued to emphasize on the Ministry’s stand on testing learners prior to going back to school that its still not their official position and neither the covid19 task force and they oppose it.