The federal government has said the country was yet to vaccinate 50 per cent of its eligible population since the exercise began last year.
It, however, said there are clear plans to reach the target of vaccinating 56.8 million (50%) of eligible Nigerians by the first quarter of 2022.
Manager, COVID-19 Crisis Communication Centre, Dr. Binta Bako, who spoke in Abuja, yesterday, noted that between March 2021 to date, Nigeria had received about 33 million doses of different types of COVID-19 vaccines.
Bako said only Nasarawa and Jigawa states have reached over 50 per cent of their target population.
She also said the booster dose was very important for optimal protection and should be taken six months after the second dose had been taken.
She further disclosed that the country had been was using only Pfizer vaccine for the booster dose since December 10, 2021, and has now started using it as first and second doses as well.
“In line with the strategy of the NPHCDA, a joint task force was immediately constituted chaired by the Executive Secretary including directors of NAPHDA, the State Security Services, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the State Ministry of Health as members,” he added.
Speaking on strategies adopted to increase vaccination figures, Bako said motorised rallies were organised across each the local government areas in country.
She added that entertainment by artists and comedians using local languages in tertiary institutions, motor parks and all the designated mass vaccination sites were also undertaken.
Bako also urged Nigerians who had taken their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccines too come for the second dose.
Also speaking at the event, the Director Communication and Advocacy at the National Primary HealthCare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Eunice Damisa, said the agency had expanded access to vaccines, adding that this led to increased coverage and reduction in hesitancy.
– Thisday