12 Apr 2021

Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA) is investigating two incidents involving clients reported to have died in or around the time of being inoculated against COVID-19. A Ministry of Health and Wellness media release says the deaths were reported in the Greater Palapye and Greater Gaborone (Kweneng area) zones.

The release explains that  BoMRA will seek to establish the cause of the two deaths as well as to establish whether they are in any way linked to the COVID-19 vaccine which was administered.

It gives the assurance that the investigations will be attended to at speed by both the ministry and BoMRA and conducted according to the highest standards.

Feedback will be shared as soon as practicable, says the release.

The release also assures the public that the Department of Health Services will continue working in close liaison with key stakeholders at national, regional and international level regarding COVID-19 vaccine application and safety. It encourages the public to alert health workers of any adverse reactions experienced to ensure appropriate follow-up actions.

Meanwhile, the public has been advised to remain calm and to follow appropriate medical guidance on vaccines as well as to consider delaying vaccination for patients who  may be recovering from a recent severe illness.

Regarding the ongoing vaccination programme, the release says as at April 10, a total of 31 628 people have been vaccinated across seven districts being Ngamiland, Greater Francistown, Greater Gaborone, Serowe, Kweneng East, Greater Selebi Phikwe and Kgatleng. Ends