By CHARLES IWUOHA

Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Thursday, called on all residents of the state to take the issue of receiving their complete COVID-19 vaccination seriously to ensure protection for all.

Ugwuanyi said this in Enugu while flagging off the 2nd phase of COVID-19 vaccination in the state after the state received 5,012 doses of Modena COVID-19 vaccines and 13,416 doses of Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, called on residents, who have taken their doses, to educate their family members and friends on the need for their vaccination.

According to him, it is safe and effective. I and other people within the government and health circles have taken our complete doses and we are alive and very healthy.

“Do well by encouraging others to get vaccinated. There is no harm.

“I and other personalities including health workers have received ours. There is no health adverse effect recorded so far.

“Take this message home, tell and encourage our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters to make themselves available for the COVID-19 vaccination using the opportunity of this second phase,” he said.

Ugwuanyi also thanked scientists, CACOVID, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), WHO, UNICEF and other partners that had made it possible for the state to get the second phase vaccines.

Speaking, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Ikechukwu Obi, said that the state would ensure that the vaccines were not only available but accessible to everyone in the state.

Obi said: “As a state, we are desirous to ensure we get all residents covered in record time and the vaccine is at the reach of all.

“We are going to increase the advocacy and awareness on the need for mass participation in taking the COVID-19 vaccine so that all will be safe in the state.”

In a goodwill message, Dr Ada Erinne, State Coordinator of WHO, urged the residents to continue to observe the non-pharmaceutical measures to keep all safe.

“We should continue our regular wearing of our face masks and washing of hands with soap in running water as well as observing social distancing as well,” Erinne said.

The Coordinator of UNICEF Field Office in Enugu, Dr Ibrahim Conte, said that the reason why everybody is putting extra efforts was to ensure that each individual in the world is safe.

“Let continue to educate everyone on the need for the vaccination and then, reduce the burden of the COVID-19 disease on everyone,” he said

The State Coordinator of NPHCDA, Sir Philip Ugwueze, said that the agency would continue to support the state in terms of supply of the COVID-19 vaccines and ensure that the vaccine doses are stored in safe and appropriate temperatures.

“We are also going to support all enlightenment and education efforts and ensure it accessibility to all within the state,” Ugwueze said.

Earlier, Dr George Ugwu, the Executive Secretary of Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ENS-PHCDA), said that the state agency had commenced robust community engagement, enlightenment and social mobilisation for the second phase.

Ugwu said that the state had given a total of 1,200 health workers special training to commence service on vaccination of the second phase.

He said: “We have received 5,012 doses of Modena vaccine, expecting an additional 60,000 doses. The state also received 13,416 doses of Astra Zeneca vaccines already.

“The state government has been supportive in installation and maintenance of cold chain equipment, accessories and logistics to ensure 24 hourly power supply.

“ENS-PHCDA is grateful to our health loving governor, His Excellency, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, our health partners, committed health workers, traditional and religious leaders, all stakeholders and the media”.

The executive secretary also called all eligible citizens and residents of Enugu State (18 years and above) to seek correct information from relevant bodies and get vaccinated.

“COVID-19 vaccines are safe, secured and meant to protect everyone,” he added.

It would be recalled that the state had successfully exhausted the 65,410 doses Astra Zeneca supplied by the NPHCDA in March, 2021.

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