Nigeria yesterday received 699,760 doses of Astrazeneca vaccines from the United Kingdom Government.
Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib disclosed this today, during the inspection of the vaccines at NPHCDA National Strategic Cold Store, Abuja.
TheFact Nigeria gathered that Nigerians were still skeptical about the covid-19 vaccines especially those recieved for free.
Dr. Faisal hinted that this vaccine was going to be deployed to the states and would be administered as second dose to those who had earlier received only the first dose of the vaccine during the first phase of the vaccination roll out.
He enjoined all those who had received AstraZeneca as first dose to visit the nearest vaccination site to receive the second dose to be assured of full protection.
The NPHCDA boss also hinted that the country would receive more vaccine donations, he said:
“We have also received communications from the COVAX facility of an additional 801,600 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines. These doses are donation from the Canadian Government and would be available for delivery by the end of August.
“AstraZeneca is a vaccine that we are all familiar with and our health workers are experienced in its administration and management. Its storage requirement is the same as most of our routine vaccines at temperatures of +20C +8oC”, he explained.
Speaking further, he enjoined Nigerians to turn up for vaccination because vaccines certified by NAFDAC were highly effective against COVID-19 virus, including the Delta variant.
He also urged persons 18 years and above, that were due for the second dose of AstraZeneca to visit the vaccination site and encourage friends, families, and neighbours to do same to ensure full protection from the virus.
“Getting vaccinated is a collective responsibility as you do not only protect yourself but also your loved ones and community.
“We will continue to strengthen our collaboration with all stakeholders and our partners, under the guidance of the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 and the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure we surpass the achievement of the first phase”, he added.
