FG approves COVID-19 vaccines booster for Nigerians

*Adhere to safety guidelines, Oyo CAN tells churches

The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, has authorised vaccine booster against the pandemic for eligible Nigerians.

Dr Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, that the decision was reached, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the agency.

Shauib said the decision reached was for the administration of booster doses for those that had completed the two doses of AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer Bio-N-Tech or one dose of Johnson and Johnson.

The NPHCDA scribe said that the eligibility criteria for taking the booster dose include: any person of 18 years and above, time interval of six months or more after receiving the second dose of AstraZeneca, Moderna or Pfizer Bio-N-Tech.

“Time interval of two months or more after receiving the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

“Consequent upon the above, eligible Nigerians are advised to visit the nearest health facility or mass vaccination sites for their booster doses as from Dec.10, 2021 across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT,” he said.

According to him, a COVID-19 booster dose gives greater protection against the virus.

He urged all Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“The list of the vaccination sites is available on the NPHCDA website: www.nphcda.gov.ng

“For more information, contact the NPHCDA COVID-19 call center on 07002201122 for assistance,” Shauib advised.

Meanwhile, Oyo State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on churches and all faithful in the state to strictly adhere to safety guidelines already in place against the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

The Oyo State CAN Chairman, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, made the call on Friday in Ibadan following the emergence of the omicron variant of COVID-19.

Akinyemiju urged all faithful to ensure they were vaccinated to reduce the risk of getting infected.

“Since it has been confirmed that vaccination reduces the risk of infections, all of us will need to key into the vaccination exercise as quickly as possible.

“We should get vaccinated, wear a face mask, wash/sanitise hands and maintain social/physical distance.

“Christians should all know that there is no divine protection for carelessness,” he said.

He also appealed to the government at all levels to mount vigorous public enlightenment campaigns to educate the people about omicron.

He added that citizens should also be reminded about the consequences of non-compliance with the safety protocols.

“It is better to take all precautions to be alive. Government should also ensure that the vaccines are always available.

“Church leaders should ensure that sanitizers, soap and water are provided at worship centres, physical distancing should be sustained in seating arrangements.

“At every opportunity on the pulpit, mention should be of the prevailing COVID-19 situation.

“Christians should know that whatever it takes to stay alive is worthwhile and they should go for it and embrace it, Christmas is here, the bulk of our celebration should be giving thanks to God for His grace upon us.

“We should all use the opportunity of the season to consolidate our personal relationship with God, in traveling, going up and down, the prevailing security situation in the country should be considered.

“May God Almighty take away this pestilence called COVID-19 and restore us to peaceful state of good economy, good security and life abundant in Jesus name,” he said.