By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The federal government has reopened vaccination for COVID-19 first dose.
The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, disclosed this during a press conference on Tuesday.
He said, “Our dedicated teams continue to make strides in the vaccine rollout, working hand in hand with the local communities all across Nigeria. As of today, we have administered 1,978,808 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and 680,345 second doses.
“I therefore urge all Nigerians who have received their first dose at least six weeks ago to visit the nearest vaccination site to receive their second dose, for full protection against COVID-19 on or before 25th June when we shall close the administration of the second dose.
“Recall that we officially closed the vaccination for the first dose on 24th May 2021. Since then, we have been inundated with request by Nigerians to be vaccinated. In response, we have decided to reopen vaccination for the first dose from today.”
‘’I will once again remind those listening that we are advising that all Nigerians who have received their first dose to check their vaccination cards for the date of their first dose and ensure that they receive the second dose between 6 – 12 weeks after their 1st dose to gain full protection against COVID-19.
” Please note that in some cases the location of your second dose may be different from your first dose, so please be sure to confirm this.’’
Shuaib said as quoted by the Vanguard, ”We have held town hall meetings in North Central and Northeast zones across our country. While efforts to ensure supply of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria are ongoing, the Presidential Steering Committee this week will be having our planned South-South Zonal Town Hall Meeting with stakeholders and the larger communities on COVID-19 vaccination in Benin, Edo State. “
He said government was fully committed to going to communities to discuss directly our vaccine effort noting that “the importance of staying safe and protected against COVID-19 and answering questions people have.”
