A team of doctors from the Kenya Navy Sickbay conducted a COVID-19 vaccine awareness forum at the Kenya Navy Base, Mtongwe.
The team, led the by Senior Base Medical Officer (SBMO) Lieutenant Colonel (Dr) Diana Wambua, sensitized the Kenya Navy personnel on the vaccine, its benefits and the priority group to be vaccinated and medical considerations for eligibility as well as potential side effects after vaccination.
Speaking during the forum, Lt Col (Dr) Wambua explained that Oxford-Astra-Zeneca vaccine was the preferred and available COVID19 vaccine in Kenya. The vaccine can be stored at ‘‘fridge temperatures’’ of between 2 and 8 degrees according to the University of Oxford.
The SBMO assured the Navy personnel on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. She assured the personnel that the side effects are manageable just as is common with other vaccinations.
Dr Wambua cautioned the personnel to be wary of social media misinformation on the vaccine and to only seek advice from qualified health providers.
She encouraged the personnel to take advantage of this opportunity and be vaccinated for their own health. In conclusion she reiterated the adherence to Ministry of Health laid down Covid-19 prevention measures.
Also speaking at the forum Captain (Dr) Hillary Gikuru explained how the vaccine works once administered to the body. He also stated that those eligible for the vaccine, according to the Ministry of Health guidelines, should receive it in two doses at intervals of eight weeks.
The Commanding Officer Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe Lieutenant Colonel Kiprop urged the personnel to make the informed decision from the knowledge acquired. He echoed the sentiments made by the SBMO that the jab is voluntary.
The sensitization session offered great insight into the COVID 19 vaccine.
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