Stakeholders in the health sector have raised concerns over the current deviation from what they described as the original plan designed to vaccinate frontline workers and others.
They noted this at a webinar organised by YIAGAAfrica to look at emerging issues and challenges in the cause of vaccine distribution, and to proffer solutions.
Chairman Nigeria Medical Association, National Committee on Infectious Diseases, Dr Sanusi Muhammed said the initial plan of vaccinating health workers, frontline workers, those with higher morbidity and mortality rate is not being followed at the ongoing vaccination of citizens across the country.
According to Dr Sanusi, the idea of vaccinating frontline health workers is because they are at higher risks due to incessant contacts with patients. Thus according to him, they have to be protected first, so that they can be confident to provide health care and services.
He said, “we need to stick to the vaccination plan so that even if the vaccine doesn’t go round, those with higher risk, elderly and those with high morbidity and mortality are prevented from getting infected and that will reduce the burden of the disease and mortality.”
On the issue of misinformation and misconception raised in the policy brief released by YIAGAAfrica, Dr Sanusi said the misconception about COVID-19 vaccine is not only in Nigeria but all over the world with many countries stopping the vaccine based on rumours and non-scientific bases.
Earlier during his presentation of YIAGAAfrica policy brief on COVID-19 vaccine management in Nigeria, its Director of Center of Legislative Engagement, Dr Ernest Ereke revealed that the invention of vaccine is a pivotal moment in the global battle against the covid-19 pandemic but there is also concern that there is global challenge in the access to the vaccine.
