What is the Covid-19 Vaccination Rate Situation in Cameroon?

Are we still talking about the coronavirus (Covid-19) in Cameroon? Yes, unfortunately, we are. Covid-19 is not over. And worse still is that the public health barrier measures are not respected. So what is going on with the Covid-19 vaccination rate in Cameroon? According to our world in data, as of July 10, 2022, 5.3% of Cameroonians have been vaccinated against Covid-19 [1].

However, 1.3% are partly vaccinated, and 4.5% are fully vaccinated [1]. Imagine that, with a target of vaccinating 70% of the population, only 4.5% are fully vaccinated. This is incredibly low and I cannot believe that with all the Covid-19 vaccination campaigns and awareness, it is still this low. To top it all off, some medical and public health professionals have not taken a single dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. While some might think this is a supply issue, I beg to differ. It is a demand issue; people are still hesitant to take it.

Due to a majority of folks not being confident in taking it, the Covid-19 vaccines end up expiring. What a waste, I must say. As long as our vaccination coverage is still this low, new variants will emerge, and diseases will spread, leaving some populations at higher risk. Those aged 18 years and above are eligible to take the Covid-19 vaccine in Cameroon [2]. The Covid-19 vaccines are highly recommended and safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women [2]. It does not cause infertility in women or men. Therefore, it does not affect anyone’s chances of having children in the future.

Some of you are so scared of the side effects. As someone fully vaccinated and boosted, I did have side effects, but they were mild. Not everyone will experience side effects. If you do not, it does not mean that the Covid-19 vaccine is not working. Remember, different bodies, different reactions. Whether there is an increase or decrease in the number of Covid-19 cases reported in Cameroon, the risks remain [2]. We must continue to get vaccinated. The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) has now included the Covid-19 vaccine as part of the recommended routine vaccines offered in Cameroon [2].

If you are one of those who have not completed their Covid-19 dosage, please do so. It is not too late. You should check your vaccination cards to see if you are eligible for the next dose or booster. For those fully vaccinated against Covid-19 in Cameroon, please help spread the word and encourage your loved ones and community to get vaccinated. The Covid-19 vaccines are free and effective.

Call the toll-free number 1510 for questions and more information.

#EndCovid237

#CmrfreeCovid19

References

1. Ritchie, H., Mathieu, E., Rodés-Guirao, L., Appel, C., Giattino, C., & Ortiz-Ospina, E. et al. (2022). Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). Our World in Data. Retrieved 27 July 2022, from https://ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations?country=~CMR.

2. Cameroon Minsante (2022). Covid-19 Vaccination Campaign Posters. PEV/EPI Cameroon.

3. Image Credit: PEV/EPI Cameroon