Narok, Kenya – Residents of Narok South Sub County are being urged to get vaccinated against COVID-19, as the virus continues to cause fatalities in the area. This call to action comes amid concerns about low vaccination rates in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, Public Health Officer Mirriam Nkirote, addressing journalists after a meeting with health stakeholders at Ololulunga trading center, revealed that only 12.8 percent of the local population has been vaccinated, falling short of the 55 percent target. “Despite setting a goal to vaccinate over 55 percent of the population by year’s end, we’re significantly below this benchmark. We strongly encourage residents to get vaccinated,” she stated.
Nkirote disclosed that COVID-19 vaccination services have been integrated with other immunization programs at health centers, allowing residents to receive the vaccine at any health facility at their convenience. Community Health Promoters (CHP) are also being deployed to conduct house-to-house campaigns throughout the sub-county, educating the public about the virus and the importance of vaccination.
Emphasizing the vaccine’s accessibility, she said, “We’re organizing outreach programs in all areas of the sub-county to raise awareness about the disease. Vaccination is offered free of charge.” Nkirote also addressed the misconception that COVID-19 no longer poses a threat, asserting that the virus is still present and active.
Since the first reported case of COVID-19 in Kenya in February 2020, the country has seen over 344,000 people affected and more than 5,000 deaths.