The proposal by the Health ministry to start vaccination of children below the age of 18 has kicked up a storm, with the latest opponents being a section of Members of Parliament.
The Health ministry recently announced that it would in August this year commence the Covid-19 vaccination drive for children between the age of five and 17.
The Shadow Health minister, Dr Timothy Batuwa, said there is no need to vaccinate children since their immunity is strong.
He said at the time when the spread of Covid-19 was at its peak, they visited several referral hospitals and discovered that a small percentage of children were affected.
Dr Batuwa said such resources should instead be diverted to programs such as those intended to address malaria which claims several lives on a daily basis.
The Buikwe South MP, Dr Michael Lulume Bayiga, said it is important to seek the opinion and consent of parents before vaccinating children.
The Obongo Constituency MP, Dr George Didi Bhoka, said the Health ministry has a legitimate right to vaccinate children against the deadly virus, if they consider them in danger.
The views of the legislators come at a time when the Health and Education ministries are at loggerheads over vaccination of children.
The Education ministry led by Janet Kataaha Museveni who is also the first lady insists that no learner will be vaccinated without the consent of their parents/guardians while the Health ministry is adamant that they will vaccinate with or without their consent.
