Uganda Yellow Fever vaccination campaign

Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, addressed the media alongside Dr. Henry Mwebesa, Director General of Health Services, and Dr. Danial Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health. Dr. Atwine highlighted the phasing out of old yellow fever cards in favor of new ones equipped with security barcodes.

"When we close this window of the campaign," Dr. Atwine stated, "any adult anywhere in the country who wants to get vaccinated will have to pay a significantly higher fee."

This fee is set at $150 (approximately UGX 560,000), over five times the current cost of a yellow fever vaccination card.

Dr. Atwine emphasized the importance of vaccination, "Without that card, you will be turned down at the airport; you will not be allowed to travel. Uganda is a designated yellow fever belt country, and all citizens are expected to be vaccinated."

She further explained, "We are going to phase out all those fake yellow cards. Anyone not captured in our system will be considered unvaccinated. This is the only window for easy travel. The new cards will have a security feature that cannot be forged."

Dr. Henry Mwebesa, the Director General of Health Services, underscored the government's initiative.

"The government has brought these vaccines closer to you for free to protect your health and prevent travel inconvenience. This vaccine covers you for life, as the WHO has clarified its efficacy for lifelong protection, eliminating the need for repeated vaccinations every ten years."