Staff at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) have joined citizens both in Honiara and across the country in the fight against COVID-19 by taking their Covid-19 vaccination.

Recently MAL front liners from the Biosecurity Department took their vaccination, led by their Director and other senior staff. This week other officers in MAL followed suit, with a large group congregating at the Central Field Hospital near Lawson Tama for their first vaccination.

A senior staff at MAL says that initially there was some apprehension and fear amongst the staff, but a visit from the health promotions team at the Ministery of Health convinced them to take the jab.

Deputy Director (supervising) of MAL Extension Department Lily Wame, who took her first dose of AstraZeneca on Tuesday 13th July, said the injection was not painful and she experienced no side effects.

“I was a bit scared at first but for the sake of our children and citizens and to protect the country from the virus, I made up my mind to take up the injection.

“It is two days now after my injection and I am still feeling fine.”

Mrs. Wame appeals to other colleagues who are yet to take their jab to do so in order to protect our children and the country from the virus.

Field Officer Leah Bently who also took her first AstraZeneca jab on Tuesday 13th July shared the same sentiments.

She said the fight against this merciless virus is everyone’s business and everyone must work together to protect our children and vulnerable citizens from it.

“I was nervous at first but a sigh of relief came after the nurse expelled the needle.

“My appeal to other colleagues and friends is come take your jab. The vaccine is safe to take. Let us all take it to protect our children, communities and our country from Covid-19.”

So far implementation for COVID-19 vaccination roll-out programs have covered targeted populations in Honiara, Western province, Choiseul province, Malaita Outer Islands and Guadalcanal province. Vaccination is now open for all adults above 18 years of age.

Source: Press Release