By JOHN NWOKOCHA, Abuja

The Presidential Steering Committee in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has approved the administration of booster doses for persons that have completed 2 doses of AstraZeneca, Moderna, PfizerBio-N-Tech or 1 dose of Johnson &Johnson.

Executive Director/CEO, NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib said on Friday the COVID-19 booster dose gives greater protection against the virus.

According to Shuaib, administration of the booster doses starts from December 10, across all states of the federation.

Urging eligible Nigerians to visit the nearest health facility or mass vaccination site for their booster doses Shuaib in a statement issued by, NPHCDA’s head, media, Mohammad Ohitoto, advised eligible citizens to take advantage of the opportunity.

The eligible criteria for taking the booster dose are: Any person who has attained 18 years and above. Also, the persons must observe time interval of six (6) months or more after receiving the second dose of AstraZeneca, Moderna, PfizerBio-N-Tech. And for persons who had the Johnson&Johnson vaccine, must observe time interval of two (2) months or more before receiving the booster doses.

The booster shots is coming after the country confirmed three cases of the highly transmissible Omicron COVID-19 variant, with risk of re-infection, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Meanwhile, the federal government has reviewed its travel protocol.

The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease (NCDC), Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa said on Friday the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 has revised the nation’s international travel protocol. He also disclosed that the government is not considering a lockdown over the detection of Omicron variant of Corona virus.

He said the new protocol will become effective from tomorrow, Sunday, December 5th.

The DG said the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 has reviewed the International Travel Protocol of 22nd October 2021.

The latest protocol was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation/Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha.

Adetifa made the revised protocol available to the media.

News Express gathered that Adetifa said the nation has enough COVID-19 vaccines but with a shortage of people to receive the doses.

It was further gathered that Adetifa, made the clarifications during an audience with the media in Abuja, saying that Omicron has been infecting young people between 19 and 35 years.

He said from evidence so far, there was no basis for a new lockdown.

According to Adetifa: “Based on information, we have not reached a point where we will make a technical recommendation on lockdown.

“On travel ban, there is no sign that justifies the current ban. I am sure the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19and the Federal Ministry of Health will come up with a decision.

“We are not one of those people with knee-jerk reactions. We have not banned flights from anywhere.

“A lot is said about this new variant. In a lot of cases, many of the responses were being driven more by the fear of the unknown than exact science.”

Adetifa said: “Most of those infected with the variant are young people between 19 and 35byeats but not sick.

“We are still waiting for more information. If the virus becomes transmissible, it does not mean it is dangerous or more severe.”

The revised travel protocol shows: It reads: “This revised protocol is aimed at further reducing the risk of importation and exportation of COVID-19 especially the variants of concern.

“All passengers arriving in Nigeria are expected to provide evidence of and comply with the following rules:

*COVID-19 PCR test to be done within 48hrs before departure

*Post-arrival Day 2 COVID-19 PCR test

*Self-isolation for 7 days (For unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals).

*Day 7 post-arrival exit PCR test (For unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals)

“All out-bound Passengers are required to provide either of the following documentation:

*Valid evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19

*Negative PCR test result within 48hrs from the time boarding

“The review of the protocol is based on science, national experience, and global developments.

“The PSC assures Nigerians, that it shall continue to monitor global and specific country situations with a view to taking necessary measures to safeguard the health of Nigerians.

“The PSC calls on all Nigerians to ensure that they have taken their full dose of COVID-19 vaccinations and to continue to observe compliance to public health social measures.”

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