TheCable

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) says 1,692,315 people have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in the country. 

Faisal Shuaib, executive director of NPHCDA, said this on Monday, at the media briefing of the presidential steering committee (PSC) on COVID-19 in Abuja.

For those who have received the first dose, Shuaib said the figure, as of September 12, stands at 4,052,756.

He said the agency has resumed the administration of the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine as the first dose to eligible persons who have not been vaccinated.

“With your continued support in effective dissemination of information around COVID-19 vaccination, I am glad to inform you that as of 12th September 2021, a total of 4,052,756 eligible persons have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine,” he said.

“This is made up of 2,645,020 persons with the first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine, and 1,407,736 eligible persons with first dose of Moderna vaccine.

“A total of 1,692,315 eligible persons are fully vaccinated and we currently have a national average of 70.4 percent utilisation of the 2,000,040 doses of Moderna vaccines we received.

“As you are aware, we have re-opened Astrazeneca administration as first dose to eligible persons (18 years and above) who have not been vaccinated. I want to reiterate the need for those that have taken the first dose to go ahead to the nearest designated health facilities for their second doses.

“Considering the rapid progress seen in the utilisation of Moderna vaccines, states have been guided not to exceed their 50 percent utilisation rates for Moderna in order to reserve the second doses for all those already vaccinated. Most states have reached this percentage and priority is now focused on administering AstraZeneca vaccine as first dose vaccine in all states.”

Shuaib also warned against the production and sale of fake COVID vaccine cards, adding that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted.

“At this juncture, let me remind us that the federal government does not condone attempts by anyone to produce/procure and sell fake COVID-19 vaccination cards,” he said.

“Anyone who ventures into this would be apprehended and made to face the law. This is a criminal offence, in which both the buyer and seller would be prosecuted.

“We, therefore, urge all Nigerians to report any suspected attempt by any person or group of persons to sell or buy COVID-19 vaccination card to us via our call centre line on 0700 220 1122, any of our social media handles (Facebook and Instagram), at the nearest police station or any other law enforcement agency. No one needs to cut corners on COVID-19 vaccination.”

Shuaib said the vaccines are free, and the vaccination cards are also given for free at designated health facilities.