The Ministry of Health has come out to clarify that the vaccination of children against Covid-19 will not take place without parents’ consent.
This followed social media reports that the ministry was hell-bent on vaccinating children between 12 and 17 years of age against the deadly pandemic starting from 15th to 20th June with or without their parents’ consent.
In a press release seen by this website, the ministry regarded social media reports on compulsory vaccination of children as utterly false.
“The ministry would like to reiterate that no child will be vaccinated against Covid-19 against their parents’, guardian or caretakers consent,” the press release signed by the Director General of Health Services, Dr Henry Mwebesa, reads in part.
The ministry further clarified that while government would like the boost the immunity of children against Covid-19 through vaccination, discussions are still ongoing with all stakeholders, including parents on the best approach to be undertaken.
The ministry’s statement follows public uproar with several parents and guardians warning head teachers against vaccinating their children.
“I will have to pick my children from school between June 15th and 20th to avoid any chances of them being vaccinated but I have already warned the headmaster against vaccinating my children,” said former Presidential candidate Joseph Kabuleta.
James Katongole, a parent at Budini Secondary School, advised head teachers to avoid vaccinating children without the consent of parents regardless of the pressure.
“I am on the school committee but I have never been consulted on matters of vaccination. The best way to solve this is a unified force. I trust we can all make decisions for our children,” he said.
But a school head teacher who preferred anonymity said they will not forcefully vaccinate children.
“We shall not force your children to get vaccinated, but when most are vaccinated, we shall not permit entry of non-vaccinated ones into class,” he said.
