Mbabane: The Kingdom of Eswatini on Wednesday received 100 625 doses of the Pfizer vaccine through the COVAX Facility.
The Pfizer vaccine is the first candidate that the Kingdom of Eswatini has received that can be administered to children 12–17 years of age and will therefore be prioritized for this age group.
The Kingdom has also received six ultra-cold freezers worth E315 000 from UNICEF, four of which have already been installed at the Central Medical Stores. These freezers are used to store COVID-19 vaccines.
Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi said another order of Pfizer vaccines is on the way and as more Pfizer doses arrive, they will be provided to other groups. Pfizer, unlike the other vaccines, has additional commodities required for its administration which includes vaccine preparation commodities and special syringes.
Nkosi said these commodities are yet to arrive in-country and as the government, they will update the Nation once all commodities have arrived and are ready to start the vaccination process with the Pfizer vaccine. Nkosi said they continue to encourage the Nation to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
US Ambassador Jeanne Maloney, making her remarks said he was very happy that this donation opens vaccine delivery to younger people, which is a game-changer. “This allows learners to go to school with an added layer of protection. And not only protect them but protect their parents, grandparents, extended family, teachers, and friends.”
UNICEF Representative Amina Mohammed stated that UNICEF highly commends the Government of Eswatini for its remarkable efforts in addressing the pandemic. “We pledge to continue to support the Government of Eswatini in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.”
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