COVID-19: Second Batch Of Vaccine Dose Threatened, Says FG

The Federal Government yesterday said the global scarcity of
COVID-19 vaccines may delay the administration of the second
dose.

National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA)
Executive Director Dr Faisal Shuaib stated this in Lafia, Nasarawa
State, at the Northcentral zonal town hall meeting on COVID-19
vaccination.

It was organised by the Presidential Steering Committee on
COVID-19 in collaboration with NPHCDA.

He said: “There is a global scarcity of COVID-19 vaccines due to
high demand, especially in countries where they are being
produced.

“For this reason, we anticipate a delay in vaccine supply to
Nigeria. The government has, therefore, decided to rationalise by
preserving 50 per cent of available doses of the vaccines for
administration as second doses.

“What this means is that in each state of the federation,
including FCT, only 50 per cent of allocated doses of vaccines are
currently being administered.

“The remaining 50 per cent will be administered 8-12 weeks from
the date of the first doses.”

He said over 2,000 people had died of coronavirus complications
in Nigeria since the first case was confirmed in Lagos on February
27, 2020.

“We successfully took delivery of the first batch of four
million doses of vaccine on March 2, developed by Oxford University
and produced by the British-Swedish Company, AstraZeneca, but
manufactured under license by the Serum Institute of India.

“As of April 20, 1,110, 820 Nigerians, representing 55.2 per
cent of the eligible people have received their first dose of the
vaccine, with the second dose assured,” he said.

Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, also said the vaccine was
safe.

“Our mission here is to reassure the traditionalists, faithful
and community leaders that the vaccines Nigeria uses are tested and
safe.

“We urge leaders to recommend it to families and communities as
the best protection against the dreaded disease.

“We must contribute to the desired 70 per cent to be vaccinated.
Every one of us has a role in the effort to stem the virus by being
vaccinated, promote vaccination and observe the safety protocols,”
he said.

The Emir of Lafia, Sidi Bage, said the vaccine was safe and
pledged the support of the traditional rulers toward the success of
the vaccination.

The Federal Government yesterday said the global scarcity of
COVID-19 vaccines may delay the administration of the second
dose.

National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA)
Executive Director Dr Faisal Shuaib stated this in Lafia, Nasarawa
State, at the Northcentral zonal town hall meeting on COVID-19
vaccination.

It was organised by the Presidential Steering Committee on
COVID-19 in collaboration with NPHCDA.

He said: “There is a global scarcity of COVID-19 vaccines due to
high demand, especially in countries where they are being
produced.

“For this reason, we anticipate a delay in vaccine supply to
Nigeria. The government has, therefore, decided to rationalise by
preserving 50 per cent of available doses of the vaccines for
administration as second doses.

“What this means is that in each state of the federation,
including FCT, only 50 per cent of allocated doses of vaccines are
currently being administered.

“The remaining 50 per cent will be administered 8-12 weeks from
the date of the first doses.”

He said over 2,000 people had died of coronavirus complications
in Nigeria since the first case was confirmed in Lagos on February
27, 2020.

“We successfully took delivery of the first batch of four
million doses of vaccine on March 2, developed by Oxford University
and produced by the British-Swedish Company, AstraZeneca, but
manufactured under license by the Serum Institute of India.

“As of April 20, 1,110, 820 Nigerians, representing 55.2 per
cent of the eligible people have received their first dose of the
vaccine, with the second dose assured,” he said.

Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, also said the vaccine was
safe.

“Our mission here is to reassure the traditionalists, faithful
and community leaders that the vaccines Nigeria uses are tested and
safe.

“We urge leaders to recommend it to families and communities as
the best protection against the dreaded disease.

“We must contribute to the desired 70 per cent to be vaccinated.
Every one of us has a role in the effort to stem the virus by being
vaccinated, promote vaccination and observe the safety protocols,”
he said.

The Emir of Lafia, Sidi Bage, said the vaccine was safe and
pledged the support of the traditional rulers toward the success of
the vaccination.