The vaccination of the 12-15 years age group against COVID-19 has started after Cabinet last Tuesday gave its approval after getting guidance from the Paediatric Association of Zimbabwe.
In a memo sent to all Provincial Medical Directors and Chief Medical Officers, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Air Commodore Dr Jasper Chimedza said the programme will be done with parental consent.
He also said those in the 12 to 15 years age group would be vaccinated with either the Sinopharm or Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine. Part of the circular reads:
Based on the available scientific data provided by the manufacturers the Medicine Control Authority of Zimbabwe has the Emergency Use Authority for the COVID-19 vaccination with Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines.
In light of the above Government has approved with the recommendation from the specialist paediatricians, the vaccination of the 12 to 15 years age group with immediate effect.
The programme will ride on the existing operational modalities on the vaccination of the 16 to 17 years age group currently in progress.