Chronicle Editor
Bongani Ndlovu, Chronicle Reporter
HEALTH experts have warned that members of the public who delay getting their second jab of the Covid-19 vaccine are at an increased risk of contracting the virus and developing severe symptoms leading to death.
Bulawayo Provincial Medical Director, Doctor Welcome Mlilo said those who have not been fully vaccinated risk dying should they be infected by Covid-19.
“It’s important to note that one is fully vaccinated only after two weeks post-second jab, not immediately or a few days after the second jab. So, if one gets infected with Covid-19 before two weeks have elapsed post-second jab, they’ll not be fully vaccinated by then and so will not maximally benefit from the vaccine.
The individual (who has delayed getting the second jab) is at increased risk of contracting Covid-19, developing severe disease and subsequently dying,” said Doctor Mlilo.
He said it was important for people to stick to their Covid-19 vaccination appointments.
“We encourage our population to stick to appointment dates given for the second jab. If, however, they fail to present themselves on that date, they need to do so at the earliest opportunity. Maximum benefit is realised only after getting the two doses. However, there are studies that show that a second jab can be delayed,” said Dr Mlilo.
One million people have received their second dose of the vaccine to fight Covid-19 as the country moves towards attaining herd immunity of 10 million people.
Zimbabwe is on a massive vaccination drive and to date about three million people have been jabbed.
A total of 1 851 407 people have received their first dose and as of yesterday, 1 002 261 had received their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine according to statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
“Vaccination update: 33 809 received the first dose today bringing the cumulative first dose to 1 851 407, while 35 589 received their second dose, bringing the cumulative second dose to 1 002 261 as at 1600hrs,” read the statistics.
“As at 07 August 2021, Zimbabwe had 115 890 confirmed cases, including 87 416 recoveries and 3 826 deaths.” — Follow on Twitter @bonganinkunzi
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