The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib, has said the Federal Government has directed states to begin administering the second dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to those who have taken the first dose.
Shuaib disclosed this at the briefing of the PSC in Abuja.
He urged those who had taken their first dose to check their vaccination cards for the date of their second dose.
He said, “The need to protect ourselves and put COVID-19 behind us, the way we have done to polio, so that we can return to our normal living, truly is a national effort.
“We also advise that people who have received their first dose should check their vaccination cards for the date of their second dose, and ensure that they receive the second dose to gain full protection against COVID-19.
“In addition to health workers, frontline workers aged 18 years and above and persons aged 50 years and above are advised to visit any designated vaccination site to receive the vaccine free of charge.
“I want to remind you that the eligibility period between the first and second doses of the vaccine has been expanded from 12 weeks to between 6 to 12 weeks, in line with the scientific recommendation provided by the World Health Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE on immunisation).
“Already, the Presidential Steering Committee has approved the commencement of the second dose of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccination in all states of the federation, including the FCT.”
