FG commences second phase of COVID-19 vaccination

*Says, it will focus on those living in hard-to-reach areas

By Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja

The Federal Government has officially flagged off the second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination exercise across the country.

Speaking during the flag ceremony in Abuja on Monday, Executive Director the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Dr. Faisal Shuaib noted that the agency in collaboration with partners have mapped strategies in targeting different segments of our populations.

This the agency said was informed by the differences in vulnerability, age, and geographical constraints.

Dr. Shuaib also disclosed that the focus will be on those living in t hard-to-reach areas such as riverine desert and mountainous areas amongst others.

He said,”Because the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is a one dose effective vaccine, the 177,600 doses will be focused on those who live in the hard-to-reach areas (riverine areas, desert areas, mountainous areas and security-compromised areas) and the elderly.

“This is because they are people who may find it difficult to leave their homes to the health facility for second dose vaccination.

“We will also be receiving today 698,880 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, a donation from the UK Government through the COVAX facility.

“These doses will be targeted at those that are due for their 2nd dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. In the next couple of weeks, we will be expecting up to 3.9million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines to complement what we already have and to ensure that we cover not only those who will be taking their 2nd AstraZeneca vaccine but also for those who will want to take their first dose of this vaccine”.

He, however, advised Nigerians to continue to observe physical distancing, wearing of face mask and washing of hands even after taking the vaccines.

“Even after vaccination, let us continue to observe the non-pharmaceutical measures such as wearing of facemask, physical distancing, and hand hygiene as we work together to fight this pandemic,” Shaiub added.

The minister of health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, whondoclosed that Nigeria has the potential to be the best in Africa commended stakeholders and partners for believing in Nigeria.

He called on Nigerians to ignore conspiracy theories and come out en masse and embrace the vaccine.

For his part, the WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, congratulated the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC), FMOH and NPHCDA for successfully vaccinating over 2,5 million and 1,4 million persons with the first dose and second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine respectively in the Phase1 rollout of COVID-19 vaccination.

” More encouraging is the fact that the country utilized 98.9% (3,980,600 doses) of the first tranche of COVID-19 vaccines. Partners are very happy with the Federal Government’s huge investment in the procurement and the installation of Ultra Cold Chain equipment at the national strategic store and the state cold stores,“ he said.

Molumbo added that the country will be able to overcome all challenges for a successful Phase 2 vaccination rollout.