Last week as government rolled out the first batch of the Covid-19 vaccine (Covishield), Francistown West Member of Parliament Ignatius Moswaane declined to be vaccinated.
The first vaccine roll out is targeted at front line workers and the vulnerable members of the public who are above 55 years of age.
Speaking to the The Telegraph on the sidelines of the vaccination launch in Francistown he said that he refused vaccination as per the advice from his doctor.
“As you can recall, I was once hospitalized because I had tested positive of Covid 19. My doctor advised me not to get the vaccine just yet. Remember I was hospitalized with my son who has since passed on. I however encourage individuals to take the vaccine,” said Moswaane.
He also encouraged members of the public to take precautions against the pandemic as Covid-19 infection figures escalate everyday with lives lost. Moswaane said important to observe Covid-19 health regulations even at homes.
As the country intensifies its effort to roll out the long awaited Covid-19 vaccine, public figures are expected to be at the fore front to get the vaccine and lead by example. Opposition parties have since accused President Mokgweetsi Masisi and vice President Slumber Tsogwane for not leading by example as they have not yet taken the vaccine.
Speaking at the launch, the Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness Sethomo Lelatisitswe who was the guest speaker pleaded with members of the public to take the vaccine as it has proved to be a life saver in a number of countries. He also said the World Health Organization (WHO) has given it a green light to be used.
“I want to plead with members of the public to prepare themselves for the vaccine as it is going to save lives. The government of Botswana will never compromise the health of its citizens as some have speculated. This vaccine is safe. This disease is escalating everyday and close to 500 lives have been lost,” he said.
Lelatisitswe who also took a vaccine shot warned that the vaccine is not a cure but a remedy that will reduce the severity of the disease so that those who are infected do not end up in hospital or die. Francistown Mayor Godisang Radisigo and other local authorities were also vaccinated.
The government of India donated 30 000 doses of Covishield to Botswana early this month. On Saturday last week another consignment of 33 600 doses procured by the government from South Korea also arrived in the country.
