The Government of Malawi through the Ministry of Health commenced the COVID-19 vaccination on 11th March 2021 with a launch by the State President, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera who received his first dose of the AstraZeneca Vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine has been added to COVID-19 preventive and containment strategies that have been put in place to reduce and stop the spread of COVID-19 in our country. The COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled out in our country to help to reduce deaths, the risk of hospitalizations and severe disease from COVID-19.
The country received a total of 512,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine ,and as of 14th April, 246,916 doses have been administered and 248,644 doses are currently available to be used till July 2021. Malawi received 50,000 doses from the government of India and 102,000 from the African Union both of which had a short shelf life with the latter expiring on 13th April 2021. A total of 16,440 doses expired on 13th April and have been recalled from the districts for disposal through incineration. The public must be assured that we have adequate vaccines to be used for the vaccination exercise and that we are expecting another consignment of the vaccines under the COVAX Facility in May 2021.
Be reminded that the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and has few side effects most of which are minor and self-limiting. They may include pain or soreness on the injection site, fever, headache, dizziness, muscle or joint pain, fatigue or nausea and these will usually go away without any need for hospital treatment. As with any other vaccines, those that are receiving the vaccine are informed of the possible side effects including those that may need to be immediately reported to health workers. Those that have received the vaccine are encouraged to report to nearest health facility any adverse effects following immunization or call toll free number 929.
Lastly, to ensure increased accessibility to the COVID-19 vaccine, more vaccination teams are being trained in the districts to facilitate the opening up of additional vaccination sites. I would like to encourage those that are eligible, to visit their nearest health facility to get vaccinated. It is important to note that for the full protection, two doses are required at an interval of 12 weeks apart and you shall be informed of the date when your second dose is due.
Dr. Charles Mwansambo
SECRETARY OF HEALTH