Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu took the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday, assuring the people of the state that it was safe to do so.
He said the state received a total of 73,570 doses of the vaccines from the Federal Government on Tuesday.
The Governor took the first dose alongside his Deputy, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, at the Cocoa Conference Center, Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure.
The Osewawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Dr. Victor Kiladejo, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, former Governor, and former Deputy Governors were all invited to receive their doses of the vaccine.
In line with the guidelines laid down by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA), he said the eligible population for the COVID-19 vaccination is citizens aged 18 years and above, including pregnant women.
Governor Akeredolu disclosed that the vaccination exercise would 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 the Phase four will become other eligible population as vaccines become more available.”
He assured 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 to be vaccinated.
“I use this opportunity to implore Ondo State citizens to shun the unfounded rumors 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.
The Governor charged all local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and health workers to step up intensive sensitization activities for the state’s good people to register and get themselves vaccinated.
Akeredolu said since the outbreak of the pandemic, and his administration has continuously been seeking ways to combat the debilitating effects of the ravaging virus.
