‘NO VACCINE SIDE EFFECTS RECORDED SO FAR’

By KETRA KALUNGA THERE are no major side effects recorded since the roll out of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, Health Permanent Secretary Kennedy Malama has said. Meanwhile, about 706 people have been vaccinated as of Wednesday last week. Dr Malama, who is in charge of technical services, said Government would remain resolute to ensure that no major side effects were recorded. He was speaking on ZNBC’s Sunday Interview programme. Dr Malama said the ministry has ensured that its pharmacovigilance was stringent where people could report back after vaccination. “For Zambia using the evidence we are saying that we can give the Zambians an opportunity to be vaccinated and protect them from severe forms of Covid-19 and death,” he said. Dr Malama said no major side effects had been recorded apart from slight headaches and a bit of muscle pain which were minor and common ones. He advised those given the vaccine to seek medical attention if they develop anything unusual especially as the number of people getting vaccinated in the country increases. Zambia received the first consignment of 228, 000 doses of the vaccine from the COVAX facility which is a global initiative.  The represents a partners hip between the World Health Organisation, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, UNICEF and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, working on the equitable distribution of the Covid-19 vaccines.