Nakuru County has received 30,000 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca have.
This was revealed on Monday by County CECM for health Dr.Kariuki Gichuki during the launch of the vaccination against COVID-19.
The CECM added that 3,000 doses will be supplied to the Lanet Regional Military Hospital.
“As a county we have received 30,000 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca have of which 3,000 will be taken to Laney Regional Military Hospital” said Dr.Kariuki.
The County vaccination drive of the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab is first focused on the frontline healthcare workers.
The County targets to vaccinate about 11,000 healthcare workers, members of the County Health Management Teams, drivers, cleaners and other hospital employees.
Experts say a single shot of the vaccine is highly protective, reducing the chance of someone getting ill and needing hospital treatment by more than 80 per cent.
However, Dr Gichuki, while citing the new and potent South Africa variant, urged the public to continue observing the set COVID-19 containment measures irrespective of the availability of the vaccine.
The exercise will be rolled out in other hospitals across the County in the course of the week.
Unlike other jabs – that have to be kept at an extremely cold temperature (-70C) – the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine can be stored in a normal fridge.
Nakuru has so far recorded 4,961 confirmed infection cases and 102 deaths since the first case of COVID-19 was first reported in the County in late March last year.
Among the first people to receive the vaccine on Monday were the County Director for Health, Dr Daniel Wainaina, Dr Benedict Osore and Ms Elizabeth Kiptoo among other County healthcare managers.
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