The Edo State Government has charged residents not to, after being inoculated against coronavirus (COVID-19), disregard the state’s preventive protocols.
The state is billed to begin the roll out of the vaccine on Monday, March 15, 2020, following the arrival of its 81, 080 doses of the vaccines, meant for about 40,000 persons in the state, from the Federal Government on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at about 8:25 pm.
Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Osamwonyi Irowa, while addressing journalists in Benin City, said there is currently no drug that provides cure for COVID-9, but non-pharmaceutical interventions and vaccines help to prevent the transmission of the disease.
Irowa noted, “Do bear in mind that after vaccination, all COVID-l9 guidelines should still be adhered to, to avoid a possible re-infection.
“We should therefore continue to adhere to all the basic preventive measures including vaccination and continue frequent hand washing with soap under running water, avoid close contacts, regular use of face masks and to observe all government preventive protocols for COVID-19.”
According to him, “the vaccine is a liquid formulation, stored at a temperature range of between +2 °C to +8 °C. It comes in a 10-dose in one vial and is administered intramuscularly at 0.5 ml per dose. Only two doses are required for full protection given at 8-12 weeks interval between each dose. Please, note that this vaccine is under the WHO Emergency Use Listing and it has been approved by NAFDAC and considered safe for use in the State.”
Irowa added: “While the vaccines will give long lasting protection against coronavirus infection when the complete doses are given, in the meantime let us continue to adhere to all the general preventive measures already instituted.”
