Zimbabwe began its COVID-19 vaccination rollout in February. Here are the main facts about the programme.
When did Zimbabwe roll out its Covid-19 vaccination programme?
The vaccination programme was rolled out on February 18, 2021.
Who can be vaccinated?
The vaccination is open to citizens and residents in Zimbabwe — subject to medical stipulations by the vaccine producers and the World Health Organisation (WHO) — but available according to a priority list drawn up by the government. The first phase targeted healthcare workers and other frontline staff. The second phase targeted groups in the education sector, such as teachers, and other less at-risk groups. The third phase of vaccinations will be open to all.
What is the government’s vaccination target?
The government targets to vaccinate 10 million people (60 percent of the population for herd immunity), according to a rollout plan presented by the government to Parliament on February 16.
Has Zimbabwe met targets so far?
The rollout plan targeted to inoculate 60 000 people in Phase 1. This included 49,000 health workers employed by the Ministry of Health, 4 200 from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, 500 health workers in the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and over 700 health workers in the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services. In addition, Phase 1 targeted staff at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, the Department of Immigration, and agriculture extension workers. The rollout plan targeted to complete this Phase 1 within 10 days.
However, the start of Phase 2 was announced on March 10, when 35,761 people had been vaccinated. Zimbabwe therefore missed both its timetable and targeted inoculations for that phase.
What vaccinations has Zimbabwe approved so far?
Zimbabwe has so far approved four vaccines; Sinopharm and Sinovac from China, Sputnik V from Russia and COVAXIN from India.
How are vaccines approved?
According to the government, all vaccines are verified by the Pharmacovigilance and Clinical Trials Committee before clearance by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe. The Pharmacovigilance and Clinical Trials Committee is also responsible for monitoring safety and effectiveness of the vaccine during use.
Can private companies import vaccines?
Private companies, including medical aid firms, can now import vaccines. However, they can only procure the approved COVID-19 vaccines. Further, companies cannot import directly. Procurement is done on the behalf of companies through the National Vaccine Procurement Fund, managed by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.
Can private companies administer their own vaccines?
Vaccines imported by private companies are stored at the Ministry of Health facilities, distributed by the government, and administered solely by Ministry of Health staff. The Ministry alone can issue vaccination certificates which show that a person has been vaccinated.
Sources: Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe Treasury Department, Cabinet Briefing, Parliament Hansard
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