By Nneka Nwogwugwu
As Nigeria receives delivery of nearly 4 million doses of Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine on Tuesday, the Federal government has explained how the vaccine will be equitably distributed to Nigerians.
The Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) Dr Faisal Shuaib, speaking at the briefing of the Presidential Taskforce on Covid-19 said, “After this launch and initial roll-out phase, vaccine distribution to the states for the Phase 1 vaccination process will begin. This phase is the vaccination of all frontline health workers, their supporting staff, and strategic leaders.
‘’Deployment of vaccines to the states would be based on the assessment of their level of preparedness.
‘’Some of the parameters that would be used for the assessment include adequate maintenance of their cold chain storage facilities, adequate preparation for logistic transportation to the ward/ health facility, adequate security in place during transportation and at vaccination sites, completion of training of health workers, efficient social mobilization activities in place, adherence to the protocol for vaccine deployment.
“Working with CACOVID, plans are on the ground for a cargo plane provided by them to transport the vaccines to the States by air.
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‘’States without a functional airport will have their vaccines transported by road using vans with fitted Cold Cabins, from the nearest airport. The vaccines will be stored at the State Cold Stores, from where they will be transported by road to LGA Cold Stores.
“Once activities have commenced in the States, there would be strict monitoring by PTF, FMOH, NPHCDA, and independent bodies such as EFCC, DSS, ICPC, and Civil Society Organizations.
“States/health facilities/health workers that are identified as defaulting from the standard protocol and guidelines for this phase of vaccination would be sanctioned. READ ALSO: Reps summon finance minister, DG budget over ‘controversial’ waivers.
“While the first phase is ongoing, the National team would be ready for the arrival of the next batch of vaccines which would be used for the next phase of vaccination. Phase 2 vaccination process involves vaccination of the elderly from 50 years and above.
“This has been sub-grouped into 2, with the vaccination of 60 and above occurring first followed by 50 – 59years. This will occur across all 36 States and the FCT. Those who are eligible for vaccination that has not registered electronically would be assisted at the designated health facility and would be vaccinated.
“The phase 3 vaccination process involves vaccination of those between 18 – 49years with co-morbidities (such as hypertension, diabetes, lung disease, other heart diseases, liver or renal disease, etc).
“Individuals at ages 50 and above with co-morbidities would already have been Immunized within their age group.
“The phase 4 vaccination process would involve vaccination of the rest of the eligible population between the ages 18 – 49years. It is worthy to note that at each phase of vaccination, the level of preparedness of the States is assessed before vaccines are deployed and accountability measures have been put in place to ensure strict compliance to the vaccination process.
Pregnant women will be evaluated by their health providers to weigh the benefit versus risk before a decision is taken to vaccinate them.”
NatureNews reports that Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and House Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila have been scheduled to get their jabs on Monday, March 8.
Others slated to take the vaccines same day are the Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce PTF on Covid-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha, Ministers, the Inspector General of Police IGP, Mohammed Adamu as well as traditional and religious leaders.
