by By Simon Ushie
The Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong has called on Cross Riverians to discard every form of misconception or myths on the Covid-19 Vaccines which is soon to be introduced in Nigeria even as she called on the Federal Government to expedite actions on the availability of the vaccines for all Nigerians.
The DG made the assertion recently in an interview to Sensitize and create demand for the Covid-19 Vaccines which according to her is considered the most effective remedy to checkmate the spread of Covid-19 as well as it’s resultant morbidity and mortality.
Dr Ekpenyong noted that “just like every other vaccines, the Covid19 Vaccines will help boost the immunity and fight against complications that may arise from contacts with infected persons even as the world awaits a permanent treatment and prophylaxis for the new strain of the avian influnza.
“With Cross River State already ranked among top performing states on Immunization exercise across the country, the state and it’s people are assured of a viable and potent vaccines, which would meet all international requirements and certified by both the Nigerian Medical Association, National Agency for food, drugs Administration and control, Standard Organization of Nigeria and other monitoring and regulatory bodies”
Ekpenyong called on the Federal Government to utilize all Federal mechanism to intensify information dissemination on the Covid-19 vaccines. She reiterated the need for states to also intensify Sensitization and awareness creation to help stop the spread of fake news and unverified myths against the vaccines.
The DG called on Cross Riverians to embrace the vaccines and ensure to receive the vaccine when available, while appealing to rumour mongers to desist from spreading false rumour about the vaccines. She used the opportunity to call on traditional rulers, religious leaders, CSOs, CBOs and other key influencers to lend their voices and support the state Government to ensure Cross Riverians takes the vaccines when available to help curb the spread of Covid-19 in the state.
With a total confirmed case of 108,943 people and 1420 deaths as at Saturday, January 16th 2020, the need to boost the immunity of Nigerians especially the elderly and others on essential duties cannot be over emphasized and this has necessitated the purchase of 100,000 vaccines for the first batch which is expected in the country between the end of January and Early February for the commencement of Immunization.
Aside vaccination, the easiest means of preventing oneself from contracting the virus includes, regular hand wash, use of facemask, application of alcohol based hand sanitizer and well as the maintenance of social distancing.
