Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib on Monday says members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 were given the same AstraZeneca administered on the president and his deputy.
Recall that the PTF members took the first jabs of the AstraZeneca vaccines today at the weekly briefing of the PTF on COVID-19 held in Abuja.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha was the member of the PTF to be inoculated with the vaccine.
He was closely followed by Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire and Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu.
Addressing journalists shortly after the vaccination exercise, Shuaib disclosed that the need to clear the air became important following speculations of vaccine hesitancy among government officials and health workers.
“I want to reassure you that the vaccines administered since the flag-off were the same as the ones taken by the President and the Vice President.
“I am glad to inform you that we also got confirmation from NAFDAC, that the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines we received are safe and can be used in the country.
“Most Governors have agreed to flag-off on March 10th, while the State-wide rollout of COVID-19 vaccine will commence from the 12th of March,” he said.
Giving an update on the vaccination exercise, Shuaib disclosed that the movement of vaccines to various states has commenced on Monday.
He also added that an accountability mechanism had been put in place to ensure equitable distribution of the vaccines in the states.
“It is expected that States will roll out vaccination only when Local Government Areas have met the minimum criteria for successful conduct of the campaigns.
“Permit me to once again reiterate that an accountability mechanism has been activated in collaboration with the security agencies to check any anticipated sharp practices in the system,” he reassured.
