Oyogist.com has learned that the Federal Government has confirmed that the administration of COVID-19 booster shots will start on Friday, December 9.
Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib made the announcement during flag-off of mass vaccination campaigns for Internally Displaced Persons in Abuja.
Shuaib said the Federal Government has resolved to make use of the Pfizer Bio-N-tech vaccine as booster shots.
He said;
“The Federal Government reviewed the country’s vaccination programme and resolved to introduce the booster dose using the Pfizer Bio-N-Tech vaccine across the country. This will take effect from Friday, December 10, 2021. It is pertinent to reiterate the fact that the Nigerian COVID-19 vaccination programme is science-driven. Evidence has shown that the booster dose further increases protection against the virus.”
Commenting on eligibility, the Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency said;
“Eligibility for the booster dose includes being 18 years and above, fully vaccinated with either two doses of AstraZeneca, Moderna or Pfizer Bio-N-Tech or a single dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The time interval before the booster dose is at least six months for these vaccines, except the Johnson and Johnson which is at least two months.
“This is another opportunity to be further protected. I, therefore, urge all those who have taken the right decision to be fully vaccinated, to walk into the nearest vaccination site for their booster dose as from tomorrow.”
Shuaib gave an assurance of the booster shots being safe and efficacious. He added;
“I want to reassure everyone that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and efficacious. We have in place the required measures and precautions to ensure vaccine monitoring and accountability. We are committed to ensuring that our vaccination teams will be available on-site here and in other camps daily until every eligible person has received their vaccines.
“I, therefore, urge camp leaders to take responsibility and ensure all members are fully vaccinated. Please do not hesitate to demand the vaccines if the teams stop coming and there are still unvaccinated persons in the camp. It is your right to get vaccinated.”
