The Federal Government will today Friday December 10, 2021, begin the administration of booster shots of COVID-19 vaccines. The FG explained that the booster dose will be given to persons fully vaccinated with either two doses of AstraZeneca, Moderna or Pfizer Bio-N-Tech or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency Faisal Shuaib, stated the above on Thursday in Abuja as the Africa Centre for Disease Control, an agency of the Africa Union, kicked against the introduction of Booster doses in African Countries. “Following the detection of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Nigeria, 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 as from tomorrow (today), 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. 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 Johnsons and Johnson vaccine.
“The time interval before the booster dose is at least six months for these vaccines, except the Johnson & Johnson which is at least two months.
“This is another opportunity to be further protected. I, therefore, urge al 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 (today).
“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 ensure 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 for the vaccines if the teams stop coming and there are still unvaccinated persons in the camp. It is your right to get vaccinated.”