The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, NPHCDA, has announced the dates for the second phase of AstraZeneca vaccinations in Nigeria as thousands wait for the second jab of the vaccine.
The NPHCDA boss, Dr Faisal Shuaib revealed at a media briefing on the progress of phase 2 Covid-19 vaccinations held in Abuja on Tuesday that the scheme will commence on the 25th of August till the 5th of September.
What the NPHCDA boss said
Shuaib stated that the vaccines will be mainly used as a second dose option for those who already received the first batch.
“The AstraZeneca vaccine will be used as the second dose for those who received their first dose during the first phase, to ensure they are fully vaccinated.
“Consequently, the administration of AstraZeneca Vaccine will commence on the 25th of August and will close on the 5th of September.
“ 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.
The NPHCDA added that one of the initiatives recently introduced in the second phase of the vaccination rollout and subsequent phases is the primary health care services integration (PSI), also known as the “whole of family” approach.
“This means that when you visit a health facility for your COVID-19 vaccination, you will be given health talks to improve your knowledge of the vaccine and vaccination, and if you are 40 years and above, you will have the opportunity to check your blood pressure and be assessed for the risk of diabetes,” he said.
In case you missed it
- Recall Nairametrics reported last week that the Federal Government formally announced the delivery of 699,790 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines which were donated by the UK Government.
- The vaccine arrived after Nigeria had used its first batch of AstraZeneca vaccines which arrived the country in March, and would also be an opportunity for those seeking second shots.
