FG says 176,000 doses of J&J coming on Tuesday
The Federal Government on Monday said that Nigeria would receive 176,000 of Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines tomorrow, adding that the doses are meant for persons who live in hard- to- reach areas.
This way, it said, they can be given a single shot of the vaccines and get full protection instead of other vaccine types that are of two doses.
Nigeria also expects to receive 700,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines to enable those who have received their first jab to get their second dose.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, who disclosed these during a briefing in Abuja, explained that the roll out of the second phase of COVID-19 vaccination should begin next Monday.
He said: “We are rolling out the second phase of the vaccination programme sequel to the first phase that ended 9th July. After the first phase, we did not have a single dose of vaccines anywhere. The launch of the vaccine should start by Monday next week.
“Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is expected in two days time (by Wednesday). It is not in large amount of doses. We expect 176,000 doses from the communication we have received so far. We have mapped out the target population in hard to reach areas.
“We expect to get 700,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines to make sure that those who got the first dose will get the second dose.
“FG has procured ultra-cold chain facilities that can store Moderna. We are ready to store the vaccines and have deployed the storage facility to every state and the FCT.
“We are working with traditional and religious leaders to let people have confidence in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines; to dispel misinformation and disinformation.
“We assure Nigerian that the vaccines that are approved for use in Nigeria are safe and effective.
“Even with the Delta variant, the Moderna is 72 to 94 percent effective against the variant. AstraZeneca is 92 percent effective against the Delta variant.”
