The Western Regional Public Health Division of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has started rolling out a campaign to increase the uptake of Covid-19 vaccines in the Region.

As part of the state’s effort to attain herd immunity, the Directorate has launched the campaign dubbed ‘Operation 200,000 Vaccination in Seven Days’ to reach out to people who are yet to be inoculated and those due for their second doses.

Currently, over 9,000 eligible people are yet to take their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Out of this figure, some are said to be refusing the vaccines due to myths and misconceptions.

Addressing a press conference on the ongoing exercise on Monday, February 7, the Western Regional Deputy Director of the Division, Dr. Gifty Amugi, expressed optimism that the exercise will yield the needed results.

According to her, engaging with the people makes room for deliberations that clears their mindsets on some falsified information about vaccines.

Dr. Amugi said the campaign is also in line with the region's medium-term goal of getting 70 per cent of the eligible population fully vaccinated.

“It is normal to experience side effects including headaches and bodily pains and weakness after vaccinations. They are normal signs that the body is building protection against the virus,” she explained.

She reiterated that the Covid-19 vaccines are safe for everyone, including pregnant women who are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination.

The Deputy Director implored eligible persons who are yet to get vaccinated to take advantage of the National Immunisation Days (NID) campaign.

Meanwhile, people who have been fully vaccinated for three months and more are encouraged to get the booster shots to enhance their immunity.