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Tag: COVID-19 vaccination

  • FG Warns Against Vaccine Hoarding, Flag Off Phase 2 of COVID-19 Vaccination

    FG Warns Against Vaccine Hoarding, Flag Off Phase 2 of COVID-19 Vaccination

    The federal government has warned against the hoarding of the COVID-19 vaccines, amidst the rising cases of the pandemic in the country.

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, gave the warning on Monday in Abuja at the National Flag-off of Phase 2 COVID-19 Vaccination held at Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja.

    According to him, Monday’s exercise is another phase of the government’s Four-Phased Strategic Vaccine Roll-Out Plan.

    He also commended all Nigerians, especially those who have received their full two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine during the first phase which closed in July.

    “As you are aware, the third wave with the Delta variant of the virus is here with us. This has resulted in the upsurge of COVID-19 cases in the last few weeks.

    “The arrival of the 4,000,080 doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine donated by the Government of the United States and the 177,600 doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccines out of the 29,850,000 doses the Federal Government has purchased through the Africa-Import-Export Bank and the African Union, is highly encouraging and motivating for us at the PSC,” Mustapha said.

    He, however, assured that the federal government is committed to ensuring that Nigerians have unfettered access to COVID-19 vaccines as the country will continue to invest in and access safe and effective vaccines.

    “It is now the responsibility of every citizen to register and get vaccinated so that we can achieve our desired herd immunity of vaccinating at least 70 per cent of our eligible population,” Mustapha added.

    He pledged that the PSC would continue to monitor with concern the increasing trend of COVID-19 cases in several countries with a special focus on those with high incidence rates and widespread prevalence of variants of concern.

    He said that while government deeply empathizes with families who have lost loved ones to this virus and assured them that government would continue to do everything possible to minimize the surge of COVID-19 cases in Nigeria,

    He said: “Consequently, restrictions are placed on travellers from Brazil, India, South Africa and Turkey into Nigeria in line with our travel guidelines. Individuals, transporters, and airlines who flout the guidelines shall be sanctioned.

    “State governments are required to ensure all returning travellers from all countries adhere to the mandatory seven-day self-isolation period and the repeat of COVID-19 PCR test on the seventh day after arrival. Violators will also be sanctioned accordingly.”

    While saying that the onus was on eligible citizens to demand, make the extra effort to access the vaccines, and get vaccinated, Mustapha assured that the vaccines are safe and efficacious.

    “And it is our only hope out of this pandemic for now,” he added.

  • Niger Begins Second Phase of COVID-19 Vaccination

    Niger Begins Second Phase of COVID-19 Vaccination

    The second phase of the COVID-19 Astrazeneca vaccination began in Niger State yesterday with the Governor Abubakar Sani Bello receiving his second jab of the vaccine.

    The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, and some members of the State Executive Council also received their second jabs of the vaccine before the commencement of the weekly executive council meeting yesterday.

    Bello and his commissioners received their first jab of the vaccine on March 9.

    He observed that the turn out for the first phase of the vaccination was impressive and advised those that had been administered the initial dose to ensure that they received the second jab.

    He also urged those yet to be vaccinated to endeavour to do so saying because “the vaccine is safe.

    “I encourage you to take it. It will keep you and your loved ones safe. The older ones especially should take it.”

    The Niger State Commissioner for Health and Hospital Services, Dr. Muhammad Makusidi, explained that the state has so far received 89,600 doses of the vaccine and assured that the state had enough doses for the second phase.

    Makunsidi assured that all eligible persons for the second dose would be administered with the vaccine. He said that the state currently have recorded 930 positive cases among them 66 health workers and 20 deaths.

    The commissioner, however, disclosed that there has not been any positive case in the state in the last two months and pointed out that the state has continued to implement measures that would combat the spread of the disease in the state.

  • FG To Spend N396bn On COVID-19 Vaccination – Finance Minister

    FG To Spend N396bn On COVID-19 Vaccination – Finance Minister

    The Federal Government is proposing to spend the sum of N396 billion for the COVID-19 vaccination in 2021 and 2022.

    The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed disclosed this on Wednesday after the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting, which was presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    Ahmed explained that the figure may significantly reduce as the Federal Government receives more donations of the vaccines from the private sector.

    She adds that the Ministry of Health is working on details of the gap that the Federal Government will be required to fill in the vaccination exercise.

    She also explains that the size of the proposed supplementary budget agreed by the executive and legislative arm is yet to be resolved, because the Ministry of Defence and Health, are yet to provide details of the military hardware requirement.

    Ahmed had earlier in February said a supplementary budget will be needed to cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccinations, for which no provision was made in the 2021 finance bill adopted in December.

    The Federal Government has said it plans to inoculate 40% of Nigeria’s population this year and another 30% in 2022.

    “There will be a supplementary budget, the first one will be in March relating to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Ahmed told reporters.

  • Adamawa: Vaccination is not compulsory, Says Gov. Fintiri

    Adamawa: Vaccination is not compulsory, Says Gov. Fintiri

    By Musa Isa Ahmed
    Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State was given COVID-19 jab today at Yola Specialist Hospital, urging residents to follow suit although he said no one would be compelled to have the vaccine against his wish.
    Fintiri made the statement while answering questions from newsmen shortly after taking the COVID-19 jab Thursday.
    He said that taking the vaccine was a major solution to curtail spread of the pandemic.
    “We have taken it, and it is safe and we are encouraging our citizens to go ahead and take the vaccine, but it is not compulsory.
    “We are only encouraging them to take because that is the only way out to keep their health and that of their families safe.
    “Government has a plan and intention to vaccinate everybody and it will be in batches,” Fintiri said.
    According to him, the state government has received about 59,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and the exercise has commenced in parts of the state.
    Fintiri said more doses of the vaccine would soon be delivered to the state government and would be administered to the people immediately.
    Also, Alhaji Gambo Jika, Chairman, Adamawa Muslims Council, said that the vaccine was very important to every Muslim in the state.
    “It is very important to take the vaccine for our own health, and once we take it, we will be free from COVID-19 Insha – Allahu.
    “So, I am calling on all Muslims and people of the state to come out and take the vaccine, because, according to expert reports, the vaccine is safe,” Jika said.
  • In DASH: Front line workers receives Covid-19 Vaccination

    In DASH: Front line workers receives Covid-19 Vaccination

    Abel  Leonard, Lafia

    Front line health workers of the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, (DASH)Lafia were the first to receive the Covid-19 vaccination as the official launch of the State wide exercise took place today in the hospital.
    Commissioner for Health, Pharmacist Ahmed Baba Yahaya, who declared the commencement of the vaccination exercise open  said it was necessary to start with the front line health workers because of the risks they have been facing in the fight against Covid-19, adding that with vaccination the end of Covid-19 has come.
    He encouraged all eligible citizens of Nasarawa State to come out and take the vaccine.
    Also speaking at the event,  Chairman, Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Hadis Mohammed said the state has received over 50,000 doses of the vaccine and over a hundred health workers would be vaccinated in DASH today and the exercise will continue all over the state.
    He however, urged everyone who is interested in taking the vaccine to do the e-registration and then visit the nearest Primary Health Care Center to get the vaccine.
    Director, Public Health, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ibrahim Alhasan, who was the first to take the vaccine, said he did so in order to show the people of Nasarawa State that the vaccine is safe, while promising to ensure all eligible persons get vaccinated.
    He however said the focus would first be on the health workers, those with co-morbidities and those above fifty years of age, also  advising that pregnant women should not take the vaccine for now.
    Expressing his happiness with the exercise, the Chief Medical Director of DASH, Dr. Ikrama Hassan said, “this is what we have been waiting for for the past one year and thank God at last it is here”. He said he was grateful to the government for making DASH the first place to administer the vaccine and that has boosted the morals of the health workers to Put in more efforts in combating the disease.
  • Buhari’s Chief Of Staff, Garba Shehu, Others Take COVID-19 Vaccination

    Buhari’s Chief Of Staff, Garba Shehu, Others Take COVID-19 Vaccination

    In continuation of the national vaccination exercise, the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu have taken their first dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

    Also Permanent Secretary State House, Tijjani Umar and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd).

    They were vaccinated by the Chief Nursing Officer, Dr Esther Ibrahim at the Special Care Centre of State House Clinic, Abuja.

    The Chief of Staff after taking his jab described the process as painless.

    He says he is simply following the President’s footsteps as a responsible Nigerian. He urged all eligible Nigerians to present themselves for the vaccination so Nigeria can attain herd immunity.

    Also speaking at the brief event, Permanent Secretary State House, Tijjani Umar said the government needs to protect its citizens through the provision of the COVID-19 vaccines.

  • Osinbajo reveals COVID-19 vaccination jab is pain free

    Osinbajo reveals COVID-19 vaccination jab is pain free

    Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo has revealed that the COVID-19 vaccination jab was pain free.

    Following the vaccination of President Muhammadu Buhari, and his deputy, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday, the Vice-President also appreciated the frontline workers, physicians, researchers and scientists who worked tirelessly to ensure the production of the Coronavirus vaccine.

    Both President Buhari and VP Osinbajo got the jab on live TV, barely 24 hours after the vaccine COVID-19 vaccine programme started with the vaccination of the healthcare and frontline workers at the National Hospital, Abuja.

    According to the spokesperson to the Vice-President, Mr. Laolu Akande, the Prof. Osinbajo had revealed that “the thing was not painful at all. I didn’t even feel the pinch” after his personal physician, Dr. Nic, administered the jab.

    Akande, who tweeted through his verified twitter account, added that “We should all take turns when time comes to get the happy jabs!”.

    While appreciating the everyone that made the vaccination a success, the Vice-President said:

    “We are extremely grateful for the frontline workers, physicians, researchers and scientists who worked tirelessly to ensure this came to life”.

    Get vaccinated, wear a mask and stay safe,” 
    Osinbajo added.

    Meanwhile, President Buhari has urged state governments, traditional and religious leaders to lead the mobilisation effort within their spheres of influence.

    The president assured Nigerians that “the vaccine offers hope for a safe country free of Coronavirus.

  • PHOTOS: Nigeria Set To Commence COVID-19 Vaccination

    Preparations are ongoing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the commencement of the COVID-19 vaccination in Nigeria.

    The exercise is scheduled to kick off in the country on Friday at the National Hospital in Abuja, where the frontline health workers there will be the first set of people to be vaccinated.

    This comes three days after Nigeria received the first batch of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines from COVAX, a World Health Organisation (WHO)-backed initiative set up to procure and ensure equitable distribution of vaccines for free among countries across the world.

    The first shipment of 3,924,000 doses of the vaccines arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Tuesday afternoon via an Emirates airplane from India.

    Ahead of the distribution, the Federal Government had said the vaccines would be administered in the order of priority, with the frontline health workers on the top of the list.

    It noted that it would also consider the elderly and the strategic leaders in the country – such as the President and other key public office holders in the country.

    The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, had explained how the vaccines would be distributed and the conditions attached at a presidential briefing held on Thursday at the State House in Abuja.

    He had revealed that the President, Muhammadu Buhari, and the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, would take their vaccine shots on Saturday – a day after the health workers were administered the vaccines.

    While the actual time for the inoculation of the two leaders had yet to be disclosed, the NPHCDA hinted that members of the Federal Executive Council would be vaccinated on Monday next week.

    They include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, and ministers among others.

    SEE PHOTOS;

  • NPHCDA begins online registration of Nigerians for COVID-19 vaccination

    NPHCDA begins online registration of Nigerians for COVID-19 vaccination

    The National Primary Health Care Development Agency has commenced online registration of Nigerians interested in taking COVID-19 vaccination ahead of the Tuesday arrival of the first batch of the nation’s vaccines.

    The agency disclosed this in a series of messages posted on its Twitter handle, @NphcdaNG, on Monday.

    “We have provided an e-registration link to enable Nigerians (to) register for the #COVID19Vaccine themselves, obtain their pre-vaccination numbers and schedule their preferred date and time for vaccination,” one of the messages quoted the agency’s Executive Director, Faisal Shuaib, as saying.

    “To register for #COVID19 Vaccination, visit our website https://t.co/RVn9HsK1Ga and click on COVID-19 Vaccination e-registration,” another message read.

    The agency however made it clear that in the first phase of the vaccination, health care workers, frontline workers, including the military, police, oil and gas workers, Nigerians at the border posts, and strategic leaders among others will be prioritised.

    In another message, the NPHCDA disclosed that a female healthcare professional, Osindeinde Abodede, emerged the first person to register for the vaccination.

    “Congratulations, Mrs. Osindeinde Ademilayo Abosede, a frontline health care professional. She is the first to register for the #COVID19 Vaccination,” the message read.

  • China’s COVID-19 vaccination tops 9 million

    By Wang Junping, People’s Daily

    China has administered more than 9 million doses of self-developed COVID-19 vaccines since Dec. 15 last year, including the previous 1.6 million doses targeting groups with high risks of infection, according to a press conference on Jan. 9.

    China has built relatively complete standards for setting up vaccination sites, and ensured strict vaccinator training, vaccine recipient screening, adverse reaction monitoring, emergency treatment, and expert consultations on adverse reactions, said Zeng Yixin, deputy head of the National Health Commission (NHC) and a member of the working group for vaccine development under the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism against COVID-19.

    Wang Huaqing, an expert from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, introduced that relevant requirements have been set up for vaccination, and the injections have all been performed according to these requirements. All possible adverse reactions are explained to the receivers before they agree to be injected, Wang added.

    Security is attached with extremely importance during the vaccination, and each vaccination site is equipped with medical staffs from polyclinics above level II, as well as first-aid equipment and drugs, to ensure emergencies are recognized and dealt with at the first opportunity, said Cui Gang, an official with NHC’s disease control department.

    The 9 million shots further proved the safety of Chinese COVID-19 vaccines, Zeng remarked, adding that the vaccination would be administered to key groups, high-risk groups, and the general population as the vaccine’s production capacity increases. All Chinese citizens that meet vaccination requirements shall be injected, so as to build a wall that prevents the spread of the virus, he said.

    COVID-19 vaccinations costs, including vaccine expenses and inoculation fees, would be covered by medical insurance funds and government fiscal, rather than individuals, said Li Tao, deputy director of the National Healthcare Security Administration.

    Only when a large portion of the population are vaccinated can an immune barrier be built, so special measures must be taken to cover the cost of the vaccination, he explained.

    He also noted that the administration’s disbursement on COVID-19 vaccines would not affect the current revenue and expenditure of medical insurance funds or residents’ medical treatment.

    Free vaccination for all residents will help build the immune barrier, safeguard life and production orders, and protect the healthy development of the economy and society, and thus further promotes the long-term and sustainable operation of medical insurance funds.

    The pricing of COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t run counter to free vaccination, said Zheng Zhongwei, head of the working group for vaccine development under the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism against COVID-19. As a public product, the vaccine will be priced according to its cost, and relevant government departments will also purchase the products from enterprises in accordance with corresponding procedure and price before administering them to the public for free.