The Disease Control Officer at the Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate, Ms. Linda Adjapong, has advocated for COVID-19 vaccination among residents, emphasizing the significant role it plays in mitigating the adverse impacts of the disease.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), she underscored the ongoing relevance of vaccination efforts, noting the endemic nature of the disease with new cases persisting throughout the year.
Despite a current absence of severe cases, Ms. Adjapong highlighted that Tema had reported instances of COVID-19 this year, emphasizing the importance of vaccination as a crucial component of the national strategy to minimize the spread of the virus.
“Currently, there are no severe or critically ill people, but we still have cases. Tema has recorded some cases this year,” she said.
She mentioned that while some individuals had received their initial vaccine dose, many were yet to complete the vaccination schedule, prompting the continuation of the ongoing vaccination campaign.
Updating on vaccination progress within the Tema metropolis, Ms. Adjapong revealed that approximately 76% of the local population had received at least one dose since the campaign’s inception in March 2021.
The campaign primarily targets individuals aged 18 and above who haven’t received any COVID-19 vaccine, including those awaiting their second dose of AstraZeneca, as well as individuals eligible for booster shots.
To ensure widespread coverage, vaccination teams are employing a multifaceted approach, including house-to-house visits and outreach at various community hubs such as markets, lorry parks, schools, and organized gatherings.
Vaccination centers have been established at key locations like the Tema General Hospital, Tema Health Centre at Community One, and the Manhean Polyclinic for easy access.
Ms. Adjapong highlighted the diverse methods employed to raise awareness about the campaign, ranging from radio discussions to social mobilization efforts and targeted engagements at marketplaces.
She also assured individuals experiencing any adverse reactions within 28 days of vaccination of free care at public health facilities and offered assistance for replacing lost or damaged vaccination cards through the Tema Metro Disease Control Unit at the Health Directorate.