Government has reiterated that the forthcoming mass Covid-19 immunisation campaign will not be compulsory.

According to government spokesperson Gospel Kazako, much as there is widespread skepticism about the efficacy of the inoculation, personal choice on the vaccine is first step towards defeating the pandemic.

“Many people in the country have reacted to the news with different views many questioning the effectiveness of the jab.

“But amid such public opinion over the vaccine, government is hereby assuring people in the country that they will personal choice on whether to be inoculated or not,” said Kazako.

He however stressed that despite that there may be such prevalent suspicion, Malawi is not only the country that is administering the Coronavirus vaccine.

The government spokesperson added that people are free to discuss and question more about the vaccine because it is a health issue.

Speaking alongside Kazako during the daily Covid-19 update last evening in Lilongwe, Immunisation Programme Manager in the Ministry of Health Dr Mike Chisema, said Malawi has administered a number of vaccines before and that the Covid-19 jabs will not be the first one.

“Almost every Malawian has received vaccine in their lifetime which is an apparent indication that the pending Covid-19 inoculation will not be the first of its kind.

“Authorities will relay relevant information on the importance of the vaccine and that no individual will be forced to receive the vaccine,” said Dr Chisema.

Dr Chisema added that vaccine only boost someone`s immunity against infection, in this case Coronavirus.

According President Lazarus Chakwera, first consignment of the AstraZeneca vaccine will arrive in the country at the end of February in readiness for roll out in March, starting with 20 percent of the population, which will prioritize frontline workers, the elderly, and those with underlying conditions.