Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state has taken the first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine doses.
The governor advised Nigerians to shun rumour about the COVID-19 vaccine, adding that the vaccine is safe.
He took the first jab alongside his deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa, and some traditional rulers in Akure, the Ondo state capital.
The governor said the state received a total of 73,570 doses of the vaccines from the Federal Government on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.
Traditional rulers who also took the vaccine jab include the Osewawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Dr. Victor Kiladejo, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi and former Deputy governors also receive their doses of the vaccine.
Akeredolu said in line with the guidelines laid down by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the eligible population for the COVID-19 vaccination is citizens aged 18 years and above including pregnant women.
According to him “the vaccination exercise will be rolled out in four phases, the first recipients will be front-line health workers, COVID-19 rapid response team, laboratory network, petrol station workers, policemen, and strategic leadership.
“In phase two, the recipients will be older adults aged 50 years and above; those with co-morbidities aged 18-49 years.
“Phase three will be those in Local Government Areas with high disease burden who missed Phases 1 & 2 while Phase four will other eligible population as vaccines become more available.”
The governor assured the people of the state that the Ondo State Cold Chain is fully functional and ready to receive and properly store the COVD-19 vaccines.
“Furthermore, to be able to partake of the COVID-19 vaccination, an e-registration link has been created for eligible Nigerians to register. You will be able to put in your details and choose a convenient place and time where you wish to be vaccinated
“I use this opportunity to implore Ondo State citizens to shun the unfounded rumours about the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Let me assure you that the vaccines have been tested and certified safe for use by reputable international organizations and NAFDAC.
“While it is true that you are not 100% prevented from getting infected after vaccination, you are less likely to get seriously sick or die from the infection if you get it and also less likely to infect other people.” Governor Akeredolu said.
Akeredolu charged all local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and health workers to step up intensive sensitisation activities for the good people of the state to register and get themselves vaccinated.