A third round of the Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 vaccinations targeting 27,768 individuals has been initiated in Rumbek Central County, Lakes State. The launch of the Covid-19 program unfolded in Matangai Payam on Monday.
Hakim Makuer, the Director General of Lakes State Ministry of Health, emphasized the significance of this third round, reflecting on past efforts: “We had the first Covid-19 vaccinations when the infection started attacking everyone. Later we conducted the second round of vaccinations. And now we are vaccinating people for the third round. Our experience is that Lakes State has performed well in terms of receiving Covid-19 vaccinations. We have managed to convince and deliver the Covid-19 vaccinations to both urban and rural people.”
Makuer underscored the importance of effective communication in the local language, stating, “As we all know, many of us are Dinka speakers; the message I want to deliver has to be in the Dinka language for many people to understand and support us because we are socially mobilizing the people to participate in the Covid-19 vaccination drive.”
John Deng Machiek, the County Health officer for Rumbek Central, emphasized the vaccination target of 27,768 persons. He urged all citizens to participate in the vaccination drive, emphasizing that individuals who have already received the first and second doses are eligible for a third dose.
Machiek clarified that receiving multiple doses strengthens the immune system with no adverse effects for those previously vaccinated.
Regarding Covid-19 cases in the region, Machiek commented, “We don’t have many cases in Rumbek of Covid-19. We have no cases in the Infectious Disease Unit (IDU). Our plan is to begin with those who are in far places like those who are in cattle camps and fishing areas.”
He elaborated on the logistics of reaching remote areas: “So, those who are in far places are vaccinated by our team who use motorcycles. Other places that are more remote, we travel by vehicles to administer the third round of Covid-19 vaccines.”
Machiek highlighted that the third round of Covid-19 vaccinations in Rumbek Central County would encompass all five payams, in addition to Rumbek town.
Chief of Matangai Payam, Sultan Makur Kedit, encouraged everyone over 18 years, including women, to get vaccinated. He dispelled misconceptions, stating, “We want everyone in the community not to think that the government is planning to poison the people. The government can’t poison its own citizens.”
Mary Ker Malok, a woman representative in Matangai Payam, shared her change of heart, saying, “I had refused to get vaccination during the first and second drive of Covid-19 but today I will receive Covid-19 vaccine.”
She emphasized her commitment to receiving the vaccine, stating, “I had refused to be vaccinated completely, but now I will receive Covid-19 injection here in Matangai Payam and I will not refuse it again.”