Health Minister Says AstraZeneca Vaccine Is Safe

Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has stressed that the AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccine is safe despite having few side effects.

Kandodo Chiponda said this yesterday during the Covid-19 weekly briefing updates in the capital Lilongwe.

Kandodo Chiponda was however quick to say that those vaccinated are expected to face side effects but most of them are minor and self-limiting whom she said will usually go without hospital treatment.

“As communicated earlier that the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe as it has few side effects and most of them are minor and self-limiting and these include pain or soreness on the injection site, fever, headache, muscle or joint pain, fatigue or nausea and these will usually go away without any need of hospital treatment,” Kandodo Chiponda said.

She further added that AstraZeneca vaccine is just like any other vaccine and that those who receive are informed on the possible side effects of the vaccine including those that that may need to be immediately reported to the health workers.

“Those that have or will be receiving the vaccine are encouraged to report to nearest health facilities any adverse effects following immunization or call toll free 929,” she added.

According to Chiponda, the vaccines are being rolled out to help in reducing deaths, the risk of hospitalization and severe diseases from COVID-19.

President Lazarus Chakwera, vice president Saulos Chilima and others were the first to receive the first jab of the vaccine.