On the 25^th March 2021, Almamy Kassama was Johnny-on-the-spot. Almamy arrived at Turn Table vaccination centre in Brussibi, at 09:00am, just as the vaccinators were getting started. On the day he anticipated to be the first client to receive the crucial jab. He was surprised that thirty-four people were already seated ahead of him, in prearranged plastic chairs to ensure physical distance and minimize the spread of COVID-19. Almamy was determined to have his own shot.  

According to Almamy, COVID-19 is an alarming problem in The Gambia. “Every day we have new COVID-19 cases and the numbers are increasing. At one point The Gambia had less than 10 active COVID-19 cases. Now we have almost 5,000 active cases,” said Almamy.

Almamy’s age suits the Ministry of Health criteria for receiving a COVID-19 jab. “I am already 65yrs and that puts me at risk of suffering COVID-19 complications if I get infected,” Almamy said.

After being vaccinated, Almamy described it as a normal process. “The injection is very normal,” he mentioned. He eagerly showed his vaccination card and reiterated the date of his second dose. “I will come back on 25 May, after 8 weeks, to get my second dose,” stated Almamy.

Almany received an encouragement from his childhood friend who got vaccinated prior to him. “My childhood friend called after he got vaccinated, to tell me it is safe and that I should go to Brussibi to get vaccinated. I also came to know about COVID-19 vaccine on social media following the national launch of COVID-19 vaccination,” recalls Almamy. 

To stir up others, Almamy said people should check for credible information about the COVID-19 vaccines. “Some sources of information are fake as people circulate opinions and not facts from Ministry of Health and WHO. Individuals should weigh information sources and rely on the correct ones,” Almamy added.

According to Almamy some people are yet to be convinced that COVID-19 exists. “Some communities are yet to be convinced that COVID-19 even exists ahead of being vaccinated,” said Almamy. 

He highlighted that mass sensitizations were crucial to raise awareness of COVID-19. “We need mass sensitizations and to include Islamic Supreme Council as we engage the Imams under their umbrella,” added Almamy.

Almamy wishes his entire family to be vaccinated against COVID-19. “If I get the chance, I will bring my 4 family members to get vaccinated,” said Almamy.

WHO together with UNICEF is working with Ministry of Health to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are provided in all 7 health regions of The Gambia, and to advise on community participation through involvement of all local stakeholders.

Mbye Njai, Deputy manager for Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) at MoH stated people should follow guidance on COVID-19 prevention. “Before, during and after vaccination, people should follow guidance for COVID-19 protection. This includes wearing a facemask, keeping physical distance and ensuring hand hygiene,” Mbaye Njai stated.