From Teryima Ajijah, Jos
The Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong and his wife Ragina were on Monday vaccinated with AstraZeneca
COVID-19 vaccine.
Similarly, the deputy governor of the state, Prof. Sonny Tyoden, was also vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine dose at Government House clinic, in Jos.
Speaking shortly after being administered with the vaccine, Governor Lalong, said administering the vaccine in not mandatory. However, he warned that people who spread unfounded rumours that COVID-19 virus is not real should desist forthwith.
The governor said the vaccine will be administered for free, therefore, no one should pay any sum to be vaccinated.
Earlier, in an address to allay fears of Plateau citizens of rumours that the vaccine is harmful to human system, Plateau state Coordinator, World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr William Zingi, said the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has satisfied AstraZeneca vaccine to be safe. He called on the government of Plateau state to help sensitise citizens to accept to be vaccinated.
Similarly, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau state chapter, Rev. Fr Polycarp Lubo, in a goodwill message at the flag-off of the vaccination, appealed to citizens to accept the vaccine, since it has been approved and endorsed by NAFDAC.
According to Rev Fr Lubo, he had suffered COVID-19 infection for four days in the past, he charged those who still do not believe in its existence to desist.
Since the COVID-19 virus pandemic in Plateau state, many have died due to the infection, with many others infected, including Governor Lalong who went into self isolation due to COVID-19 twice.
The first phase of COVID-19 vaccination in Plateau is to be administered to front line health workers and the elderly.
The Commissioner of Health, Dr Nikum Lar, had in an address to declare the event open said the vaccine is safe, and persons above the age of 18 should be vaccinated.
Others who were vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine were the Commissioner of Police, Edward Ebuka, CAN Chairman, Rev. Fr Lubo, The Emir of Kanam, Babangida Muazu, among others were vaccinated.
