COVID-19
What is a COVID-19 Vaccine?
It is a vaccine that is intended to provide immunity against COVID-19. A number of safe and effective vaccines have now been produced and approved for use. Countries have started rolling out COVID-19 vaccination programmes to protect people.
Why get vaccinated?
Vaccines work to protect you , those you love and those in the community who are unable to be vaccinated.
Who can get vaccinated?
Currently ,in Zimbabwe , COVID-19 vaccine is administered to persons 16 years and older including pregnant women and lactating mothers. Nearly everyone can get vaccinated. However, if you have special medical conditions please check with your medical provider before getting vaccinated. Seek COVID-19 information from your nearest health care workers and facilities.
How safe are the vaccines in Zimbabwe?
- All vaccines (including COVID-19 vaccines) go through a comprehensive approval process by global and local medical regulators to ensure that they are safe for use in humans.
- In Zimbabwe, medicines are approved by the Medicine Control Authority of Zimbabwe first before they are released for use.
- This is an ongoing activity in routine immunization and vaccination campaigns in Zimbabwe
Vaccination FAQs
01. Do you take the COVID-19 vaccine before or after infection?
Vaccines are a preventative measure and are given to prevent infection, not as a treatment for infection. If people have already been infected with COVID-19 they can get the vaccine to prevent another COVID-19 infection making them very sick again. Get vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. Experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19
02. Does the COVID-19 vaccine protect against variants?
The vaccines work effectively against variants at reducing chances of severe disease, hospitalization and death.
03. Can children take the COVID-19 vaccine?
Every country has their own requirements for approving use of the vaccines in different ages. Currently, in Zimbabwe, some of the vaccines are approved for ages 16 and above whilst other vaccines start at 18 year olds. Consult with your doctor on which vaccine is best for you.
04. Can pregnant women get vaccinated?
Currently ,in Zimbabwe , COVID-19 vaccine is administered to persons 16 years and older including pregnant women and lactating mothers. Pregnant and lactating women will be assessed by the health care provider before getting the vaccine.
05. If I get vaccinated, do I still need to wear a mask and practice social distancing?
COVID-19 preventative measures such
as wearing of masks, hand hygiene and maintaining of physical distancing will still be necessary until a large proportion of the population is vaccinated. The vaccine is proven to provide long-term protection.
06. proven to provide long-term protection. Can I get COVID-19 from COVID-19 Vaccines?
No. Approved and authorized COVID-19 Vaccines do not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19.
07. Can COVID-19 vaccines make me infertile?
COVID-19 Vaccines won’t make you infertile. There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems.
08. Can hot or cold climate prevent COVID-19?
COVID-19 can be transmitted in any kind of climate. COVID-19Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent disease and save lives
09. Are antibiotics effective to prevent or treat COVID-19?
Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. The best way to prevent COVID-19 is getting vaccinated.
10. Will I die after two years from taking the vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be safe across different populations worldwide. Over a million and counting have been vaccinated across Zimbabwe.
Vaccines have been used for many years in Zimbabwe and around the world. They have been essential in keeping all of us safe from various diseases that have affected humanity such as polio, tetanus etc. No one will die after taking the vaccines
This toolkit was developed to support local leaders and community health workers to inform and educate their communities about COVID-19 preventative behaviours and vaccines. Resources and information are being continuously updated.