Minister of Health Khumbize Chiponda disclosed on Friday that journalists are among priority groups to receive the Covid-19 vaccination.
She told the journalists at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe when she received the first consignment of the vaccine that they are among the risk groups “as their work involves interacting with a lot of people”.
“So, journalists are among the priority groups to receive this vaccination,” said Chipnda.
In an interview yesterday, Ministry of Health spokesperson Josua Malango said 861 centres where the Covid-19 vaccine would be administered across the country have already been identified and logistics were in place for the delivery.
Misa-Malawi in a statement issued yesterday said it was pleased to notify its membership that government has included journalists in the priority groups of people to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
“In this arrangement, journalists will be required to carry with them Media Council of Malawi (MCM) accreditation cards or employment identity cards when going to the immunisation centres,” reads the statement signed by Misa chairperson Teresa Ndanga following the arrival of the first 360 000 doses of AstraZeneca Vaccine.
Misa-Malawi encouraged all journalists to get immunised as their job involves regular travel and interaction with others, thereby putting them at risk of contracting Covid-19.
“We also take this opportunity to implore on journalists to responsibly provide coverage on the immunisation rollout and encourage all Malawians to be vaccinated when the opportunity arises.
“Misa Malawi would also like to remind journalists and media houses of the earlier arrangement in which journalists can be tested through their media house(s) when and where there are confirmed cases within the media house or there are individuals who have clear symptoms,” reads the statement.
