Health
GOV. Willie Obiano of Anambra State has flagged off the second dose of phase one of the COVID-19 vaccination exercise in the state.
Represented at the event by Vincent Okpala, commissioner for health, Gov. Obiano noted that the event marked the commencement of the second dose of first phase COVID-19 vaccination for those who received the first jab.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of a second dose of the phase one COVID-19 vaccination at the state Immunisation Cold Store, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital (COOOTH), Amaku, Awka, the governor said: “As usual, we have planned and embarked on several activities that include pre-implementation, implementation and post-implementation activities to ensure that challenges witnessed during the first dose vaccination are addressed.
“The vaccination commenced effectively from June 1 – July 10 and will be at designated health facilities.
“We have an average of two vaccination centers per Local Government Area (LGA) with one super and ordinary site.
“While these locations will be displayed at the LGA Immunisation office, calling the Anambra State Public Health Emergency Operation will also help update Ndi Anambra on the designated vaccination locations.
“Two of those numbers are 09034668319 and 09034663273,” Okpala said.
The governor enjoined all those that received the first dose to visit the designated vaccination sites in various LGAs to receive their second dose.
He urged all stakeholders at various levels in the state to support in sensitizing their subjects on the benefits and importance of completing their vaccination.
“Also, vaccination is not a substitute for discontinuation of observation of COVID-19 protocols,’’ he said.
He expressed gratitude to God, the health team, and the partners UNICEF, WHO, NPHCDA, NCDC, and PTF for making this vaccination experience possible.
According to him the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) is determined and committed at ensuring that the COVID-19 vaccination will be successful in the state.
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Chioma Ezenyimulu, noted that the discovery of COVID-19 Vaccine and subsequent mass vaccination campaigns in temperate countries had reduced morbidity and mortality of the COVID-19 disease.
“We are happy that Nigeria has embraced the hope offered by the vaccines and grateful to COVAX Consortium for the kind donation of four million doses of the AstraZeneca Vaccines to Nigeria.
“Anambra State received 78,810 doses of the vaccine on 17th of March, 2021 with an instruction to use half of the vaccines and reserve half for the second dose.
“Since then, we have vaccinated 33,691 Ndi Anambra which is 86 percent of the target population for the first dose and now set to roll out the second dose vaccination in the state,’’ Ezenyimulu said.
She noted that it was of tremendous benefit for Ndi Anambra to be fully vaccinated as they had received some immunity from taking the first dose but are now sure of total immunity after taking the second dose.
– June 03, 2021 @ 17:03 GMT
Tags: Anambra government flags-off 2nd dose of first phase of vaccination
