Mrs. Regina Lalong, wife of Plateau State Governor taking the vaccine.
By Marie-Therese Nanlong
Jos – Governor, Simon Lalong, his wife, Regina, his Deputy, Professor Sonni Tyoden, other top government officials, some religious and traditional leaders as well as front-line health workers on Monday received the COVID-19 vaccine following the delivery of 105,600 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to Plateau state last week.
Lalong who spoke shortly after taking the vaccine at the Government House clinic, Little Rayfield, Jos said he took the vaccine to boost the confidence of citizens that the vaccine is safe and there is nothing to fear about it.
He frowned at what he termed conspiracy theories on the social media targeted at discouraging citizens from accepting the vaccine, stressing that the World Health Organization, WHO and other credible health institutions within and outside the country have declared that the vaccine is safe.
RELATED STORY : A ‘hellish’ night with AstraZeneca vaccine : A reporter’s experience
His words, “today marks another important milestone in our fight against the Corona Virus pandemic which has negatively impacted our lives in many ways. The commencement of the administration of the first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine today is a clear progress in tackling the disease in Plateau State.
“I am the first to take the vaccine in Plateau State not only because I am the Governor, but because of the need to show example and reassure the citizens that there is nothing to fear about the vaccine. I am aware of the conspiracy theories being propagated by some people particularly in the social media aimed at discouraging people from accepting the vaccines.
“It is important to note that the vaccine had been approved by the European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organization based on global clinical trials involving 23,000 participants. In addition, Nigerian regulators such as NAFDAC evaluated the vaccines upon arrival in the country. All of these evaluations have concluded that the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective.
“For the first phase, we have designated 102 locations where the vaccines will be administered in all the Local Government Areas. Those to be covered are frontline health workers, and those on essential duties. The second phase will capture the elderly (50 years and above) and people with underlying illnesses. Every other eligible person will be captured in the third phase. We hope to increase the vaccination centres in the State to about 700 in subsequent phases.
“No one will be compelled to take the vaccine as the administration is totally voluntary. However, I wish to remind our citizens that the law criminalizing the denial of COVID-19 in Plateau State is still in force. Therefore, those who want to engage in spreading conspiracy theories and mobilizing others against taking the vaccine will not be allowed.”
He added, “I, the Deputy Governor, the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Chief Judge, traditional and religious leaders, as well as heads of medical institutions in the State are taking the first doses to show that there is nothing sinister about the vaccine. So far, there is no evidence to suggest that there is any adverse effect on those that have taken it particularly in Nigeria. However, we must adhere to the advice of medical experts who are managing the process.”
READ : ACSN begs Nigerians to stand up for faith-based institutions
“Let me again appeal to our religious, traditional, political and community leaders to continue to sensitise the people not only to accepting the vaccines but adhering to laid down protocols for COVID-19. Taking the vaccine should not be a licence to abandoning the protocols such as wearing facemasks, observing social distancing and keeping to hygiene practices. We should not increase the risk.”
Advertisement.
“This is more so when the vaccine supply to cover the entire population will come gradually and not at once. We have to continue to keep ourselves safe and also safeguard others. It is important to state that the vaccines are absolutely free and no one should be charged for it. Anyone found to be extorting people for the vaccines will be dealt with according to the law. I encourage our citizens to register for the vaccine by visiting www.nphcdaict.com.ng for easier and faster scheduling for the vaccine.”
