The prevalence of the novel corona virus pandemic in Cameroon has been a rising concern to many who do all humanly possible to stay safe from being infected with this virus. The wearing of facemask, washing of hands regularly, use of sanitizers and keeping social distancing have been the current practice to minimize the infection rate of COVID-19.
According to health care practitioners, these safety measures so far have proven fruitful since the emergence of the virus. The introduction of COVID -19 Vaccines is another major method to prevent the spread of the virus. It is in this light that the Biaka University Institute of Buea teaching hospital (St Veronica Polyclinic) commonly known as Biaka Hospital, on Tuesday 10th of August 2021, launched the COVID-19 vaccination center charged with the responsibility to freely vaccinate at least seven persons daily . This center which currently has in stock the Astrazeneca COVID Vaccine and Sinopharm COVID Vaccine is headed by the director of the hospital- Dr. Fon Tita who has been practicing as medical Doctor for over twenty years.
Those eligible for these vaccines should be at least 18 years and above. Before vaccination, recipients are schooled on the different types of vaccines available and the number of doses required to complete the process.
It should be noted that just like any other vaccine, the COVID-19 Vaccine would have sight effects on some recipients including minor headache, fever etc which lasts for few hours. Nevertheless, health experts emphasize the need to visit a medical center if sight effects are severe.
Opening this COVID – 19 vaccination center, six persons received the vaccine including the Director himself Dr. Fon Tita, who took the first shot. The St. Veronica Polyclinic is open for COVID-19 Vaccination every day from 8.am to 4pm.