Africa Health Knowledge Management Portal
Informing Health Decisions and Actions
Safe Vaccination Administration in the Context of COVID-19 in Africa
Response
Emergency response operations
Description
Risk dimension Healthcare workers/vaccinators and vaccine recipients may be at risk of exposure to COVID-19, but adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures can reduce the risk of transmission. Administrative controls, including universal screening and triage, and environmental controls, including use of outdoor spaces, should be implemented as outlined in the guidance for primary health centers issued by Africa CDC. If vaccines are to be administered indoors, windows should be open to increase airflow. Use of appropriate personal protective equipment by all healthcare workers and universal use of cloth masks by vaccine recipients, their mothers, or accompanying adults, can also reduce the risk of transmission.