Over 41.9 million Nigerians vaccinated for COVID-19 – FG

Over 41.9 million Nigerians have been reached with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while over 29.6 million are fully vaccinated, the Federal Government has disclosed.

Government however urged states to ramp up COVID-19 vaccination, saying only about 38 per cent of eligible Nigerians who been reached is a far cry from the vaccination target of 70 per cent in order to attain herd immunity by the end of the year

In related events, Nasarawa and Ebonyi have received the Federal Government’s Award as the best performing states in COVID-19 vaccination and routine immunisation respectively.

Furthermore, Kano and Yobe states bagged the awards of most improved performance in COVID-19 vaccination and routine immunization respectively.

In terms of COVID-19 vaccination in the North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West zones; Nasarawa (100 per cent), Gombe (30 per cent), Jigawa (97 per cent), Abia (14 per cent), Cross River (13 per cent) and Ogun (28 per cent) are the best performing states respectively.

In terms of routine immunization performance in the North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West zones; Benue (63 per cent), Adamawa (63 per cent), Kaduna (59 per cent), Ebonyi (90 per cent), Edo and Lagos are the best performing States.

Speaking during the award presentation to commemorate this year’s African Vaccination Week, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, added: “We pride in the progress we have made as a country in reaching 41,993,566 eligible persons with COVID-19 vaccines as of today 26th August 2022. About 29,653,312 of these persons are fully vaccinated, while others are either waiting for their due date for the second dose or are on the list of those who are hesitant of taking the second dose. Of course, the struggle continues, and it is a matter of sworn trust that we protect the health of our people.”

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In his remarks, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, said: “With the integration of other PHC services with the COVID-19 vaccination, it is clear that our task is not limited to eradicating COVID-19 alone but other vaccine-preventable diseases as well. In line with the integration strategy, parents who go for COVID-19 vaccination are encouraged to go along with their children and have them vaccinated against childhood diseases like yellow fever, polio, pneumonia, measles, Tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Hib, and Meningitis.”

Also speaking, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, said: “Our traditional and religious leaders, who are our community gatekeepers, were not left out in the struggle. They invested their energy and time in mobilizing the communities for the uptake of vaccines.

“Our health workers, some of whom we have lost along the way (May the souls of the departed rest in peace), were relentless and moved around the communities, from house to house to ensure that every eligible child receives vaccines and is protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.”

(Nation)