Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has taken the first dose of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID19 vaccine thus flagging off Vaccination exercise in the State.
The Governor along his wife Mrs. Regina Lalong , Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Chief Judge, religious and traditional rulers as well as heads of security agencies also took the vaccine at the clinic of the new Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.
Speaking after taking his jab of the vaccine, Lalong said the take off of the vaccination exercise is a clear progress in tackling the disease in the State.
He noted that the state took delivery of 105,600 doses of the vaccine assuring that government will ensure the smooth storage, distribution and administration of the vaccines across the 17 Local Government Areas.
” For the first phase, we have designated 102 locations where the vaccines will be administered in all the Local Government Areas of Plateau State. Those to be covered are frontline health workers, and those on essential duties.
” The second phase will capture the elderly (50 years and above) and people with underlying illnesses. Every other eligible person will be captured in the third phase. We hope to increase the vaccination centres in the State to about 700 in subsequent phases.
” Let me reiterate that no one will be compelled to take the vaccine as the administration is totally voluntary.
” However, I wish to remind our citizens that the law criminalizing the denial of COVID-19 in Plateau State is still in force. Therefore, those who want to engage in spreading conspiracy theories and mobilizing others against taking the vaccine will not be allowed.
” I want to reassure our people that as your Governor, I will not subscribe to anything that will harm you nor affect your well-being.
“Rather, my number one priority is to ensure your safety and good health.
” That is why I, His Excellency the Deputy Governor, the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Chief Judge, traditional and religious leaders, as well as heads of medical institutions in the State are taking the first doses to show that there is nothing sinister about the vaccine.”
Governor Lalong however appealed to religious, traditional, political and community leaders to continue to sensitise the people not only to accepting the vaccines but adhering to laid down protocols for COVID-19.
He said , ” taking the vaccine should not be a licence to abandoning the protocols such as wearing facemasks, observing social distancing and keeping to hygiene practices. We should not increase the risk.
” This is more so when the vaccine supply to cover the entire population will come gradually and not at once. We have to continue to keep ourselves safe and also safeguard others
” It is important to state that the vaccines are absolutely free and no one should be charged for it. Anyone found to be extorting people for the vaccines will be dealt with according to the law.
” I encourage our citizens to register for the vaccine by visiting www.nphcdaict.com.ng for easier and faster scheduling for the vaccine.”
