The Zimbabwean government on Wednesday extended the COVID-19 vaccination program to include the 14 to 17 year age group. Until now, the vaccination program has been open only to people aged 18 years and above, reported CGTN Africa. The move comes as Zimbabwe seeks to ramp up inoculation and reach herd immunity by year-end.
During a post-cabinet media briefing, Zimbabwean Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the vaccination program has extended to the 14 to 17 year age group based on the advice of scientists.
Mutsvangwa said schools, that were set to reopen in June for the second term but remained closed due to the current lockdown, will now reopen on Aug. 30 for examination classes and Sept. 6 for non-examination classes. She said inter-city and intra-city transportation for students will be allowed during the re-opening of schools, subject to monitoring by law enforcement agencies.
The Zimbabwean government has reportedly extended the Level 4 nationwide lockdown for another two weeks.
Mutsvangwa said although the country has reported a notable decrease in COVID-19 infections and deaths recently, more efforts were still required to contain the third wave. She said restaurants are now allowed to re-open for sit-in only for those who are fully vaccinated with strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
As far as vaccination is concerned, the minister said the government has so far acquired 13 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines out of the 20 million required in order to achieve herd immunity.
She said the country is expected to receive another shipment of another 2.5 million doses under direct purchase, and 943,200 doses under the WHO-led COVAX scheme.
Zimbabwe has administered a total of 3,888,804 doses of COVID-19 vaccines so far while 1,506,445 people have been fully vaccinated.
Mutsvangwa said given the country’s current vaccination status, the Zimbabwean government is confident that herd immunity will be achieved by December 2021.
