TheCable

Faisal Shuaib, executive director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), says doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine received from the United States have been deployed to 29 states.

Shuaib said this on Tuesday while speaking at a media briefing on the progress of the phase two COVID-19 vaccination exercise in the country.

According to Shuaib, the agency is focusing on distributing available doses of the Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines to various states.

“In the last few days, our focus has been on distributing the range of COVID-19 vaccines – Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca — to the states, as well as concluding the training of state and LGA personnel to ensure optimum vaccine utilisation,” he said.

“So far, we have deployed Moderna vaccines to 29states.

“Now that the vaccines are in the states, we are counting on our governors to continue to provide the needed oversight and resources to ensure that these vaccines are secured and maintained in the required temperatures and that all eligible persons are mobilised to access the vaccines to protect themselves, their families and their communities against COVID-19.”

The director noted that the vaccines could not be deployed immediately after NAFDAC certification because, unlike the AstraZeneca, the Moderna vaccine did not come with complete barcoding which is needed for tracking.

He also said the agency wants to ensure that state are fully ready to receive the vaccine.

Speaking further, Shuaib said that the second phase vaccination for those eligible to receive their second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine — the doses were donated by the UK — will commence on August 25 and close on September 5.

“I, therefore, urge all those who received their first dose prior to July 8th to visit a designated vaccination site from 25th August to 5th September to receive their second dose, and become fully protected against COVID-19. As we receive more supplies, we will then open it up for those who may wish to take their first doses,” he said.

Shuaib urged citizens 18 years and above to ensure they’re vaccinated and also follow safety protocol.