BENIN CITY – The Edo State Government, as part of efforts to contain coronavirus (COVID-19), has intensified vaccination across the state’s 18 local councils with more health workers, politicians, religious and traditional rulers as well as the elderly receiving the first dose of the vaccine.
The state commenced the rollout of the 81, 080 doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine received from the Federal Government, during the week, with Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comr. Philip Shaibu, among others, receiving their first jabs.
The 81, 080 units of the vaccine are to be administered to about 40,000 people for the first and second jab, as each person is expected to take two doses at four to 12 weeks intervals.
Edo State COVID-19 Incident Manager, Dr. Andrew Obi, who led other health workers to be vaccinated at the state’s Ministry of Health complex in Benin City, charged the people to make use of the opportunity of the exercise to get themselves vaccinated and break the line of COVID-19 transmission.
Obi said: “I am happy today as I fulfill both civic and public health duties by getting vaccinated. This exercise is very critical as it’s a vital step in breaking the chain of transmission of COVID-19 pandemic in the State.
“I urge the people to take advantage of the vaccination provided by Governor Obaseki who has ensured that vaccination points are set up across the 18 local government areas. The vaccine is not only free but also safe.
“I call on those that have been vaccinated to report any adverse effects as it will help in computing and compiling data which will help in dispelling negative rumors about the vaccines.”
“We encourage pregnant women and nursing mothers to seek advice from their physician if they need to be vaccinated. If the risks outweigh the benefits, we don’t expect pregnant women to be vaccinated and those below 18 years of age are not captured in the exercise,” he noted.
On his part, a member representing Ikpoba-Okha at the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Henry Okhuarobo who also received his first jab of the vaccine, urged members of his constituency not to be afraid but to get vaccinated against the deadly virus.
Also, a Former Manager, News at the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Prince Victor Eweka, noted that the vaccine is safe with no side effects.
Meanwhile, Alexander Osayainde and Engr. Irabor Uzebu who also got vaccinated urged other Edo residents, especially the elderly, to take the vaccine as it’s safe and effective.
