Health Ministry Says Vaccination of Children Against Covid-19 Won’t Be Done without Parents’ Consent

Government through the Ministry of Health has revealed that the planned Covid-19 Vaccination drive in schools, for children aged 12-17 years, will not take place without their parents’ or guardians’ consent.

The development follows several reports saying the Ministry is planning to vaccinate children against COVID-19 with or without their parents’ consent.

In a statement released on June 10, Dr. Henry Mwebesa, Director General Health Services at the Ministry of Health, said “the Ministry would like to categorically state that this is COMPLETELY FALSE.”

“The Ministry would like to reiterate that no child will be vaccinated against COVID-19 against their parent’s, guardian or caretaker’s consent. This will be upheld during the vaccination of children,” Mwebesa said.

Mwebesa noted that discussions between government and parents on the best approach to be undertaken is ongoing.

“Government would like to boost the immunity of children against COVID-19 through vaccination, discussions are still ongoing with all the key stakeholders including parents on the best approach to be undertaken,” he said.

He revealed that the Ministry, together with the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) and Vaccine Advisory Committee (VAC) after consultation with Cabinet, will inform the public accordingly.

Currently, the country is facing an increase in the daily cases of Covid-19.

So far 21, 490, 654 Covid-19 doses have been administered.