Nigeria explains how global scarcity threatens 2nd batch of COVID-19 Vaccines for immunisation

*The National Primary Health Care Development Agency indicates the country anticipates a delay in vaccine supply, and the government has decided to rationalise by preserving 50 percent of available doses of the vaccines for administration as second doses

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

In view of the apparent global scarcity of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccines from the manufacturers and suppliers fast threatening much expected vaccine rollouts in several countries, including Nigeria, the Federal Government has disclosed that the development may delay the arrival and administration of the second vaccine doses on eligible citizens.

It was gathered Dr. Faisal Shuaibu, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) stated this Tuesday, April 20, in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, during the North-Central zonal townhall meeting on COVID-19 vaccination.

The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 organised the forum in collaboration with the NPHCDA.

Dr. Shuaibu said: “There is a global scarcity of COVID-19 vaccines due to high demand, especially in countries where they are being produced.

“For this reason, we anticipate a delay in vaccine supply to Nigeria. The government has, therefore, decided to rationalise by preserving 50 percent of available doses of the vaccines for administration as second doses.”

The NPHCDA Executive Director further stated: “What this means is that in each state of the Federation, including FCT, only 50 per cent of allocated doses of vaccines are currently being administered.

“The remaining 50 percent will be administered 8-12 weeks from the date of the first doses.”

According to him, more than 2,000 people had died of Coronavirus complications in in the country since the first case was confirmed February 27, 2020, in Lagos State.

He noted: “We successfully took delivery of the first batch of four million doses of vaccine on March 2, developed by Oxford University and produced by the British-Swedish Company, AstraZeneca, but manufactured under licence by the Serum Institute of India.

“As of April 20, 1,110, 820 Nigerians, representing 55.2 percent of the eligible people have received their first dose of the vaccine, with the second dose assured.”

Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Honourable Minister for Health, on the occasion also said the AstraZeneca Vaccine was safe.

The Minister explained that “our mission here is to reassure the traditionalists, faithful and community leaders that the vaccines Nigeria uses are tested and safe.

“We urge leaders to recommend it to families and communities as the best protection against the dreaded disease.”

Ehanire stated: “We must contribute to the desired 70 per cent to be vaccinated. Every one of us has a role in the effort to stem the virus by being vaccinated, promote vaccination and observe the safety protocols.”

Sidi Bage, Emir of Lafia, in his remark said the COVID-19 Vaccine was safe and pledged the support of the traditional rulers toward the success of the vaccinations in his domain.

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