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At the flag-off of Covid-19 Mass Vaccination Campaign in Kogi State, the state has vaccinated no fewer than 150,000 residents.
The Executive Director of Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), Dr Abubakar Yakubu, disclosed this on Thursday, stating that the mass vaccination campaign was the initiative of the National PHCDA in collaboration with State Governments and partners.
According to him, the campaign is to increase access and utilisation of COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria with expansion to all public and private health facilities, markets, public places, parks, malls, among others.
Yakubu disclosed that Kogi had so far received 220, 278 doses of AZ vaccine, and 50,302 doses of Moderna vaccine.
He explained that 72,812 residents had received first dose of AZ vaccine, while a total of 35,647 residents had received second dose.
He added that 29,690 residents have been immunised with first dose of Moderna vaccine, while 14, 022 immunised with 2nd dose.
He said that a grand total of 102,502 residents had been immunised with first dose for both AZ and moderna vaccines, while 49,699 residents had received second dose for both vaccines.
He noted that the percentage coverage of fully immunised for second dose was 48 per cent in the state.
He, therefore, urged residents who had taken the complete doses to encouraged their families and associates to do same, so they could together curb the spread of the disease.
The executive director debunked the fears of many over the COVID-19 vaccines, reiterating that the vaccine was safe, effective and reduce the risk of severe illness.
”All COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria have been duly approved by World Health Organisation (WHO), tested and certified by NAFDAC as safe and effective against the virus.
”We make bold to say that in Kogi State, no serious adverse effect (AEFI) or hospitalisation has been recorded following the administration of COVID-19 vaccine, and we give glory to God.
”As directed by the governor, we are not forcing anyone to take the COVID-19 vaccine, and nobody should prevent anyone from taking it ,” he said
Yakubu thanked the Governor for approving the receipt of vaccines in the state in spite all odds, and not denied anyone from taking the jabs if they so wish..
On his parts, Pharm. Ken Adejoh, the State Coordinator of WHO, congratulated Kogi for the launching of the mass vaccination campaign.
Adejoh stressed that the vaccine remained safe and effective, saying over 4 billion people close to 60 per cent of the world population have taken it,
He, therefore, encouraged everybody to get vaccinated, saying WHO has confirmed that it is safe for use.
Isa Umar, Chairman House Committee on Health, Kogi Assembly, flagged off the mass vaccination on behalf of the governor.
The stakeholders who spoke at the event include: NMA, NPHCDA, CAN, JNI, traditional rulers, CPI, among others.
All the stakeholders urged the people to take advantage of the COVID-19 mass vaccination and get themselves immunised.
