COVID-19: Over 102,000 residents immunised in Kogi

The Kogi State Government has said that over 102,000 residents have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines during the initial rounds of vaccination in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Saka Audu, disclosed this at the flag-off of the ”Kogi State COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Campaign,” in Lokoja.

Audu thanked Gov. Yahaya Bello, for ensuring the arrival and availability of the vaccines in the state without denying anyone from taking the jab if they so wished.

He assured that the state government would continue to provide the required avenue for all the eligible citizens of the state to have access to free, safe and effective vaccines.

Represented by Dr Francis Akpa, Director Public Health of the ministry, the commissioner warned that the vaccines had not come to replace adherence to non-pharmaceutical preventive measures already in place.

“We must ensure we wear our facemasks, maintain physical distancing and regular hand washing at all times.

“Let me reassure you that we will not relent in our drive to ensure that Kogi remains free of COVID-19 disease”, he said.

Earlier, the Executive Director, Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), Dr Abubakar Yakubu, said 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 a total of 220, 278 doses of AZ vaccine, and a total of 50,302 doses of Moderna vaccine.

He explained that 72,812 residents had received the first dose of the AZ vaccine, while a total of 35,647 residents had received the second dose.

He added that 29,690 residents have been immunised with the 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 the first dose for both AZ and moderna vaccines, while 49,699 residents had received the second dose for both vaccines.

He noted that the percentage coverage of fully immunised for the second dose was 48 per cent in the state.

He, therefore urged residents who had taken the complete doses to encourage their families and associates to do the 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 of all odds, and not denying 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.

Hon. Isa Umar, Chairman House Committee on Health, Kogi Assembly, flagged off the mass vaccination on behalf of the governor.

Umar thanked the governor for taking proactive steps in alleviating the fear of COVID-19 in the state.

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.

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