Morocco received a second batch of 4 million doses of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine on Thursday, having began Africa’s first national vaccination campaign two weeks ago, health ministry sources said.
The shipment of AstraZeneca vaccines, manufactured by India's Serum Institute, arrived on a Royal Air Maroc flight in Casablanca.
“This new batch would enable a steady continuation of Morocco’s national vaccination campaign,” said Said Afif, a member of the health ministry’s scientific committee.
The latest batch of AstraZeneca vaccines follows 2 million doses received last month. Morocco has also received 500,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine.
Both vaccines require two doses and do not need ultra-cold storage.
By Wednesday, Morocco had vaccinated 746,116 people and reported 476,689 coronavirus infections and 8,436 deaths.
The country has ordered enough vaccine for 33 million people and aims to inoculate 80 per cent of the population.
Morocco's vaccine programme initially targets those most vulnerable to the virus, including healthcare workers, members of the security forces and of other public authorities, and people over the age of 75.
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A Moroccan nurse prepares a syringe with the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine in Casablanca, Morocco. AP Photo -
Moroccan nurses wait inside a vaccination booth in Casablanca. AP Photo -
Moroccan doctors wait for members of the health agency for a consultation in Casablanca. AP Photo -
Healthcare workers assist an elderly man after he received the Covid-19 vaccine in Sale. Reuters -
An elderly Moroccan woman receives a dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at an inoculation centre in the city of Sale. AFP -
An elderly Moroccan receives a dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at an inoculation centre in the city of Sale. AFP -
A nurse vaccinates a Police officer against the Covid-19 coronavirus in Sale. EPA -
An elderly man receives the Covid-19 vaccine in Sale. Reuters -
A health worker prepares doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford Covid-19 vaccine in Rabat. AP Photo -
A nurse waits inside a vaccination booth before administering doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford Covid-19 vaccine to health workers in Rabat. AP Photo
