Covid-19: Over 144000 People Vaccinated in Uganda So Far

The Minister of Health Dr. Ruth Jane Aceng has said 144,025 people have received their first dose of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine which was acquired through the COVAX facility and a donation by the government of India. Vaccination began on March 10, starting with health workers, teachers, and security personnel.

After this, people aged 70 years and above were added to the priority group. According to the minister, they have now lowered the age of priority people to 50 years and above and "those aged 18 to 50 with comorbidities such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes, liver/heart/kidney disease" are also now eligible for vaccination.

"Therefore, all nationals and non-nationals who fall in the above-mentioned priority groups should go the Covid-19 vaccination at the designated health facilities," she said.

While the minister advised that "excessive consumption of alcohol compromises immunity of an individual", she noted that there is no "scientific evidence to show that when you are vaccinated against Covid-19, you should stay away from alcohol for 40 days".

"Therefore, there is no absolute contraindication to alcohol if taken in moderation," she said.