Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, has received the second dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as the state government flags off the second phase of the exercise.
He took the jab on Thursday along with his deputy and members of the State Executive Council who attended the weekly council meeting at the Government House in Minna, the state capital.
Speaking after receiving the second jab, Governor Bello noted that turnout for the first phase of the vaccination exercise was impressive.
He encouraged those who took the first dose to ensure they receive the second jab and called on those who have yet to take the first dose to endeavour they do so as soon as they can.
“I want to assure everyone that the vaccine is safe, I encourage you to take it. It will keep you and your loved ones at least safe; the older ones, especially should take it,” the governor said.
He had received the first dose of the vaccine on March 9 and directed all the State Executive Council members to take the vaccine or not be allowed into the weekly meetings of the council.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health and Hospital Services in Niger, Dr Muhammad Makusidi, said the state has received a total of 89,600 doses as of May 20.
He explained that 44,860 doses were used in the first phase, stressing that enough doses were available for the second phase of the vaccination exercise.
The commissioner gave an assurance that all eligible persons for the second dose would be administered the vaccine.
Giving a brief on the current status of the state on COVID-19, he noted that Niger has confirmed 930 positive cases, including 66 health workers and 20 deaths.
Makusidi, however, stated that there has not been any positive case in the state in the last two months, saying the government has continued to carry out measures to combat the further spread of the disease.
