The Federal Government on Tuesday warned that COVID-19 vaccination is now compulsory for pilgrims to the holy cities of Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem.
It urged adherents of both Islam and Christianity to get vaccinated to avoid any delay or cancelation in the future, as some countries have made vaccination a requirement to gain access to their country.
Similarly, the government commended the vaccination efforts of the Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki for mobilising religious leaders towards the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine.
Speaking during a joint briefing by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in Abuja, the Executive Director of the NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib said: “Our phase 2 vaccination has commenced in 35 states plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). For clients, who have not had any vaccination, the Moderna Vaccine is available and is being administered currently in all designated health facilities in the country, while those who have had their first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine are encouraged to visit their designated health facility to get their second dose.
“As at August 30, 2021, Nigeria has so far vaccinated 2,897,201 and 1,430,379 eligible persons with 1st and 2nd doses respectively across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory.
“Those who received the first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine before July 8, 2021 should go and get their second dose to be fully protected against all strains of the Coronavirus.”
