By Davis Mugabi

After evaluating the evidence of reducing/waning immunity 6-8 weeks after full vaccination elsewhere in the world, the Ministry of Health recommends booster doses, for persons aged 50 years and above, and persons with co-morbidities to further enhance their immunity.

This is according to Health Minister, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng.

According to Dr. Aceng, one can get a booster dose at least 6 months after completing the primary COVID-19 vaccination series.

“The objective of a booster dose is to restore vaccine effectiveness from that deemed no longer sufficient,” Dr. Aceng said on Thursday adding that the rationale for booster doses may differ by vaccine product, epidemiological setting, risk group, and vaccine coverage rates.

The World Health Organization recommends that the optimal timing for any country to start booster doses is when its vaccination coverage of the eligible population is at least 50%.

Uganda’s vaccination coverage is still below the WHO recommended threshold.

Accordingly, full scale boosting program may start at the end of January 2022 when all regions have reached 50% vaccination coverage.