The Federal Government is targeting to vaccinate over seventy per cent (70%), of Nigerians against COVID-19 as part of effort to reduce the dreaded disease in the country.
Dr. Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of Health disclosed this during a Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 Town Hall Meeting on vaccination held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
He maintained that the vaccines allowed the country to breathe a sigh of relief for the first time since onset of the pandemic.
According to the Minister,” The effort to obtain the vaccine is just one step among all that needs to be done in the plan to protect citizens by vaccination.
“The dates for subsequent phases will be announced as at when due. Our target is to vaccinate at least 70% of the eligible population over a two year period, to achieve herd immunity, which is scientifically defined to be interruption of transmission. The plan depends, of course on vaccine availability.
” As of today over a million eligible persons have received their first dose of the vaccine, with the second dose assured.
“NPHCSA, has also conducted awareness campaign to inform the populace of the significance of taking the vaccine,” he said.
He,however, explained that government will ensure that eligible citizens have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.
Mr. Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of Federation,who double s as chairman Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19,said very soon any Nigerians who have not been vaccinated would not allowed to travel outside the country.
He advised stakeholders in the meeting to mobilize their citizens to be vaccinated against the virus to avoid the spread.
195000cookie-checkCOVID-19 : FG To Vaccinate Over 70% Of Nigerians
