The Osun State Government on Friday commenced mass vaccination of residents that are of 18 years of age and above to curb the spread of the pandemic in the state.
Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, who flagged off the exercise in Osogbo, enjoined eligible residents that had either been partially vaccinated or yet to receive the vaccine to take advantage of the opportunity.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Benedict Alabi, also explained that the state’s health workers, as well as, Adhoc staff have been specially trained for the purpose, adding that the vaccine would be available at fixed posts at primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities.
According to him, the vaccine would also be available at outreach posts in places outside the health facilities and special locations that include; churches, mosques, markets and malls.
He said, “I am happy to announce that about two million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been allocated to the state and all eligible persons that are yet to be vaccinated now have access to the vaccines.
“With our total population standing at over five million, and about 50% of this being in the 18 years and above age bracket, the greater part of the target population is yet to be vaccinated. I, therefore, enjoin all the good people of Osun who are 18 years and above that have either been partially vaccinated or yet to be vaccinated to take advantage of this opportunity.”
In his remarks, the state Coordinator, World Health Organisation, Dr Bello Ahmed, said Osun is enjoying the support of the organisation because of its commitment towards the provision of quality and functional healthcare delivery across the state.
He said, “We are very happy that Osun is holding this flag-off. We are proud of the government for its commitment to ensuring adequate healthcare delivery.”