By Doris Obinna
The Lagos State government has urged eligible persons who fit into the first phase of the vaccination exercise to observe and ensure strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols and instructions given by officials as vaccination commences today, March 22.
The exercise designated at the 88 approved vaccination sites across Lagos will be accessible to only persons who fit into phase one of the vaccination exercise. These include; healthcare workers, COVID-19 response team (RRT), ports of entry staff, laboratory network, judiciary, military, police, other security agencies, petrol station workers, teachers, press, other frontline workers and persons of age 70 years above.
Speaking during the phase one vaccination rollout campaign in Lagos, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi advised eligible persons who are scheduled to be vaccinated under phase one of the exercise to maintain social distance of at least two meters, wear a face mask and ensure proper hand hygiene at the vaccination sites.
The Commissioner while noting that the COVID-19 protocols is still in place especially at public places and events requiring gathering of people, stated that security personnel have been stationed at vaccination sites to provide security, maintain order and ensure adherence to the COVID-19 protocols.
“We understand that there is a great demand for the COVID vaccine in Lagos leading to increase in activities at our various vaccination sites, this has brought to fore the need ensure strict adherence to COVID protocols as well as accountability and security for officials, citizens and the cold chain mechanism at the sites.
“We want to avoid crowding and the resultant spread of the COVID inspection at the vaccination sites, this is why we are appealing to persons who are not categorized in the phase one of the vaccination exercise to keep off the vaccination sites.
“It is therefore important to reiterate that the state government through the Ministry of Health remain committed to preventing COVID-19 infection and would not encourage a scenario where people are vulnerable to the transmission through overcrowded vaccination centers.
“Lagosians should be patient, we will vaccinate every body eventually but there is the need for citizens to support government by following the vaccination implementation plan to ensure a successful exercise. We plan to vaccinate this year into 2022.”
Abayomi however, urged eligible citizens who fit into phase one of the vaccination exercise to pre-register for the vaccine via https://www.nphcdaict.com.
On safety and side effect of the vaccine, the Abayomi disclose that Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has been declared safe by the World Health Organization (WHO) and certified by National Agency for Food Drug and Administration Control (NAFDAC).
“Like most vaccines, the Oxford-AstraZeneca also have some common side effects, which typically only last for 24 to 48 hours. Some of these common adverse events that could be experienced include; pain or tenderness at the injection site, tiredness, chills, joint pains, headache, fever, muscle pain and nausea.
“Health workers have been extensively trained on the administration of the vaccine and vaccine safety and the aftercare of vaccination. Should any of these side effects become problematic, kindly call the number of the LGA Disease Surveillance Notification Officer (DSNO) provided at the back of the vaccination card for guidance, and return to the same health facility where the vaccine was admistered for further investigations and treatment.
“All vaccinated persons are also advised to download the MED SAFETY app monitored by NAFDAC. The app can be downloaded on the iOS Store or Google Play store, and can be used to report any untoward event experienced after vaccination or any other adverse drug reactions experienced with the use of concomitant drugs,” Abayomi explained.