Covid-19 vaccination in Nigeria
COVID-19: Lagos kicks-off second phase of AstraZeneca vaccination Monday, as Moderna vaccines immunization continue
Lagos is set to commence administration of the second dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines to persons who had earlier received the dose during the first phase of the immunization exercise in the state.
State Ministry of Health which disclosed this in a statement stated that the administration of the second dose of the vaccines would hold across 88 vaccination centres used during the first phase of the vaccination exercise for 20 days, between August 30, 2021, and September 24, 2021.
It further noted that only persons who have taken the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine are qualified to take the second jab.
The state government said it is working with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to ensure that there is no confusion on which vaccines to be given.
“We would like to remind the public, particularly persons of 18 years and above, who have not received any COVID-19 vaccine, that the administration of the first dose of Moderna vaccine is still on at 183 vaccination sites across the state,” the state said.
It, therefore, implored residents who have not received any vaccine to pre-register and schedule an appointment for the Moderna vaccine on the e-registration portal of the NPHCDA.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, had earlier disclosed that the administration of the Moderna vaccine for residents continued all through last weekend; Saturday, 28th and Sunday, 29th August, 2021.
Abayomi revealed this last Friday after receiving a preliminary report of day three of the vaccination exercise in Lagos State.
He explained that the plan to vaccinate last weekend was necessitated by the need to ensure that residents, who were scheduled for vaccination on Saturday and Sunday, get their first dose as scheduled to avoid a backlog that may strain the process.
The Commissioner, however, noted that the vaccination exercise in Lagos will hold ‘ONLY’ weekdays after last weekend’s exercise except otherwise stated.
“We have scheduled some of our people for vaccination weekend, precisely, Saturday and Sunday, we are not planning to deprive them of vaccination as scheduled. The vaccination teams will be on ground at the various vaccination sites on Saturday, 28th and Sunday, 29th to attend this category of people.
“This weekend’s exercise is, however, one-off during this phase of the campaign subject to further review. After this weekend, vaccination will hold on weekdays – Mondays to Fridays only”, the Commissioner emphasised.
Abayomi said that the ultimate goal of the vaccination campaign is to achieve herd immunity against COVID infection for Lagos communities.
