The AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine (1.02 million doses) is here in Nairobi, delivered by UNICEF as part of the COVAX facility, which aims to provide equitable access to vaccines for all countries around the world.

Healthcare workers in 47 counties and frontline workers, including security personnel and teachers, are on the priority list and currently getting their vaccinations (so far more than 40,000 people have received their first jabs). And soon, the vaccine will become available to a wider audience.

Why should you get vaccinated?

• The vaccine has been shown to be highly effective at preventing Covid-19.
• Though you can still get Covid, if you are infected, you will get a much milder version of sickness. The vaccine prevents serious sickness and death.
• Every person that gets vaccinated contributes towards herd immunity and helps the whole country get back to normal.

Your other questions answered:

• Should you get vaccinated if you've already had Covid? Yes, even people who have had the virus can benefit from getting the vaccine, but you should wait until you're completely recovered (wait 10 to 14 days until you're symptom-free).
• Are there side effects to getting the vaccine? You may get a sore arm, chills or tiredness but they should go away in a few days. And don't worry- these are normal signs that your body is building protection.
• Can I go out and party after I have my 2^nd vaccine? Wait! There are still many unknowns surrounding how effective the vaccines will be against new variants, including ones that haven't been discovered yet. So just because you got the jab, doesn't mean you're 100% safe. You must still take precautions to protect yourself and others.

For safety concerns and vaccine efficacy,  READ MORE

You're vaccinated. Now what? According to the World Health Organization, here are some things you can do after getting the jab:

• Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing. Yay! This is a big one.
• You may visit unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 indoors. The unvaccinated people must wear masks in your presence.
• You don't have to quarantine for 14 days after arriving in another country if you have proof of vaccination.

Verifiable reports on social media confirm that Mbagathi Public Hospital off Mbagathi way has since 19th March been offering FREE COVID-19 vaccines to priority groups on a first-come, first-served basis and that they have also been giving vaccinations to non-priority groups.

However, they have received criticism lately for allowing anyone to get vaccinated so you take your chances by showing up there if you're not in a priority group. Winnie Rioba  tells us that she got her shot at 7:30 am. "The line was already long when I got there", she says. If you'd like more details call Mbagathi hospital on 0721 311808.

See below a list of hospitals throughout the country near you that are authorized to dispense vaccinations and call today to find out whether you are eligible!

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