Is AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine safe?
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA is organising a COVID-19 vaccination sensitization program for Muslim Scholars and Imams.
The program which is held in collaboration with the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA in will enable the NPHCDA to inform on the safety and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination.
During the program, Dr Osagie Ehanire said that the gathering is to “reassure ourselves and the general public that the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and useful.”
Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation took the time to inform Muslim leaders of their role. He said, “We enjoin you to sensitize your people that the vaccine is safe and effective as confirmed by the European Union and the World Health Organisation.”
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COVID-19 vaccine is safe
The WHO had said earlier in January that nations and people will decide if they want vaccination. No one would be pressured to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to WHO “each individual will make a decision for themselves about the value that they place on the vaccine.”
The WHO also said that it considers the issues of hesitancy and questions about the vaccine legitimate.
It further urges countries to prioritize vaccination of those most in need based on the values framework and population prioritization road map issued by its strategic advisory group of experts on immunization.
According to Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, NSCIA SG said, “there’s no time left for further delay. We have no choice, but to work assiduously, collectively and individually with the entire Nigerian Ummah to confront and surmount the hurdles of hesitancy in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.”