DAR ES SALAAM -- Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Wednesday launched the country's COVID-19 vaccination drive and received a jab of Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam.

Speaking at the State House before launching the vaccination drive, Hassan told Tanzanians that the vaccines are safe and she would not take any risk, in a bid to assure the public of the safety of the vaccines.

Other top officials vaccinated at the launch included the prime minister, the chief justice, and the foreign minister.

Minister for Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children Dorothy Gwajima said plans are afoot to secure other types of COVID-19 vaccines to enable people to make their choices.

According to health authorities, priority for vaccination will be given to frontline workers, the elderly, and those with underlying health issues.

On July 24, Tanzania received over 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX facility.