05 Jul 2022

Ministry of Health calls on children between 12 and 17 and adults above the age of 50 to take their first and second COVID boosters respectively to protect themselves against the pandemic. 

The children eligible for COVID booster doses, should have at least six months after completing their primary vaccination series. Adults above the age of 50, who have taken their first booster doses are eligible for second booster doses. The second booster shots will be offered at least four months after the first booster shot. 

A press release from the ministry of health on Tuesday further says people aged between 12 and 49 years, who have been determined to be immuno-compromised such as cancer patients and those on chemotherapy are also eligible for the second booster dose. “The Pfizer vaccine will be used for second boosters, regardless of whatever vaccine one may have taken for their primary vaccination series or as a first booster.” 

The ministry further says in an effort to continue expanding COVID-19 vaccination offerings to the public as a primary effort to reduce the risk of severe and critical disease, authority has been granted by the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA), to offer primary vaccination and first booster shots to children aged 5 to 11 years. 

Therefore, the Pfizer vaccine will be offered to children in this age group and added that preparations are at an advanced stage, for a smooth vaccination rollout programme in this age group. The media release says the public will be informed when vaccination for the 5 to 11 year age group commences. 

The ministry of health further encourages all those eligible for vaccination and for booster shots as outlined above, to visit their nearest vaccination site for vaccination. ENDS