Let us Jab Right!!

Mmegi Editor | Monday August 23, 2021 06:00

The same energy used to encourage Batswana to get the jab should be the same used to administer it.

What was experienced in Gaborone and other areas where dozens gathered at vaccination centres is unacceptable. As much as we do not allow gatherings, it is only right that we do the needful to ensure that vaccination sites do not become COVID-19 super spreaders.

This could simply be through deploying more staff, scheduling those who have registered to vaccinate to reduce congestion amongst other things. While we were told that the State of Public Emergency was to facilitate amongst other things, quicker means to getting things done in the fight against COVID-19, it was shocking to listen to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Grace Muzila on national television stating that government has run out of funds and had to wait for Parliament to approve additional funding.

This was at the cost of the Ministry having to lay off some employees who had been helping at a time government needed to employ more people. Therefore, it is our respectable view that someone dropped the ball and heads might have to roll.

We look forward to what Mma Muzila promised that they would come up with interventions to rectify the situation. The situation could get worse as more young and energetic individuals are called forward to take their jabs.

We further urge government to come out straight and ensure that essential groups such as health workers and teachers amongst others are prioritised in the roll-out of the vaccines.

As it stands, closing of schools has done little help to the situation. Therefore, nurses need the jab so they can then participate fully in the administration of the vaccination exercise. We should never find ourselves in a position where there are not enough people to administer jabs since the vaccines do not have a long life span.

Batswana should also play their part in helping the government achieve the intended results. This is firstly by registering for the vaccination, going to get a jab at rightful areas as well as following COVID-19 protocols amongst other things.

We should also realise that when a vaccine has been declared for use in the country hence hesitancy to take it should not be an issue as it is safe and effective. Choosing a preferred vaccine also causes problems as some vaccines could go to waste in the end.

Today's thought

''Never forget the three powerful resources you always have available to you: love, prayer and forgiveness.''

-H. Jackson Brown Jr.