By Aulah Najjuuka
Uganda Christian University (UCU) is now offering yellow fever vaccinations as part of the Government Ministry of Health initiative.
The vaccination drive will commenced on April 2 and will end by 9, 2024 in an effort to promote widespread protection against the disease among Ugandans.
Individuals seeking vaccination need only to present their National Identification Numbers (NIN). However, UCU students can also avail themselves of the vaccine using their university registration numbers, and everyonUpon attaining my Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Uganda Christian University (UCU) in October 2021, I began searching for opportunities to study abroade is to receive the vaccine at no cost.
This initiative holds particular significance as yellow fever vaccination is essential for those planning to travel internationally. The vaccination card issued during the campaign serves as proof of vaccination and must be presented to the appropriate authorities when seeking an international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever.
“Most people sell these vaccines and their card certificates to us when we are desperate to travel abroad at exaggerated prices like 80,000 UGX, so I have come to get mine that is free, and hopefully I get to use my card.” Sharon Birungi, a local resident of Mukono said.
Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, prevalent in tropical regions of Africa and South America. Vaccination against yellow fever is crucial as the disease can cause severe symptoms, including fever, jaundice, bleeding, and even death in some cases.
Kakooza Brian, one of the vaccinators, stressed the importance of the vaccine and urged all Ugandans to take advantage of this chance because the vaccination campaign is going on countrywide. “Everyone should use this chance to get vaccinated because yellow fever is usually underrated, but it can be very deadly if contracted.”
The importance of vaccination extends beyond individual protection, as widespread immunization helps prevent outbreaks and contributes to public health efforts.
By hosting the vaccination drive on campus, UCU is playing a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of its community members in Mukono and the surrounding areas, as well as the broader Ugandan population.
“UCU giving its space and labour to help during the vaccination campaign continues to prove the godly and welcoming character that it teaches and also takes part in the wellbeing of the community.” said Simon Mulondo, studying law in his second year( LLB 2).
As the campaign continues throughout the week, UCU encourages all eligible individuals to take advantage of this opportunity to receive the yellow fever vaccine and safeguard themselves against this potentially deadly disease.
