The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) has admonished its members and the public to welcome and accept the COVID-19 vaccine.

Ghana received 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine made by the Serum Institute of India (Covishield) today, 24 February 2021.

The COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be deployed in health facilities across the country from 2nd March 2021.

Prior to the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines, the government announced a roll-out plan and stated that the vaccines were safe.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of GAMLS, Dr Dennis Adu-Gyasi, on 24 February 2021, reiterated that the vaccine is efficacious for use and further urged the general public to get vaccinated.

“GAMLS wishes to add its voices to the scientific community to admonish the public to trust in the regulatory approval of the FDA and embrace the COVID-19 vaccines.

“Ghana’s FDA has been ranked at maturity level 3 for its medicines regulatory system that ensures the safety, quality and efficacy of all medical products imported, manufactured or distributed in the country.

“The COVID-19 vaccines have, therefore, gone through rigorous processes and considered safe and efficacious for use in Ghana”.

The statement further urged the public to obey the COVID-19 protocols despite the vaccine.