PMI VectorLink Gets Vaccinated!

Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire has received 500,000 doses of the lifesaving AstraZeneca vaccine, making it the second African country in a week after Ghana to benefit from the first shipments of shots from the UN-backed global COVAX initiative.

Dissuaded by myths and misconceptions about the vaccine, many country team members were hesitant about getting their first doses. The overall sentiment in Côte d’Ivoire around COVID-19 vaccines was not very positive, but after seeing Brad, the Senior Management Team, and TPM Cecilia Flatley share their experiences with getting their first doses, the sentiment among country team members began to change. 17 out of the 21 members on the CDI team have received their first doses – that’s 80% coverage!

Zimbabwe

After moments of doubt around getting their COVID-19 vaccines, VectorLink Zimbabwe Entomologist, Dr. Hieronymo Masendu, and his wife decided to get their first vaccine shot last week, thanks to encouragement from Brad and the Senior Management Team.

He and his wife were initially dismayed when they saw the long queues at the local City Health satellite clinic. They drove to another council clinic; the story was the same – long lines. However, they learned that most of the people queuing were coming for their second mandatory shot – there were relatively few people coming for the first shot. So, Dr. Masendu and his wife braced themselves to get it done. Mrs. Masendu got hers first, making sure Dr. Masendu got his as well! The general positive talk among the people milling around at the tent at the clinic was also encouraging. After their positive experience, the Masendu’s pledged to support their community by providing transport to the clinic for groups of three or more to get their vaccines as well.