Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan received her Covid-19 jab Wednesday as the country launched its vaccination campaign.

She led members of her Cabinet in receiving Johnson&Johnson’s vaccine that was donated by the US government.

The vaccine rollout was broadcast live from the State House in Dar es Salaam.

Tanzania received 1,058,400 doses of the Janssen vaccine on Saturday through the Covax initiative, Health minister Dorothy Gwajima said.

During the launch, President Samia encouraged citizens to take up the vaccine to protect themselves from severe illness if they contract the coronavirus.

She assured citizens of the safety of the vaccine and encouraged all residents.

The President also urged the media to educate the public of the importance of receiving the vaccine.

“Since we were born we have been vaccinated against a number of illnesses, including Yellow fever. So I do not see the reason why we should fear to be vaccinated, especially after our scientists have assured us of the safety of the vaccines,” she said.

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The East African