Despite consistent campaigns and enlightenment, doubts still persist about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. This increasing rate of hesitancy consequent upon mistrust and unfounded rumours should be attended to by government. The Catholic Herald newspapers has deemed it fit to encourage Nigerians and people all over the world to take the COVID-19 vaccine. BARBARA NEGBEJIE recollects statements and testimonies about the COVID-19 vaccine.
‘Disregard rumours and misinformation making the rounds about the COVID-19 vaccine’
Disregard rumours and misinformation making the rounds about the COVID-19 vaccine. The Federal and Lagos State Governments have done due diligence to establish the vaccines efficacy and safety. The vaccination is not the end of the pandemic and all citizens must continue to adhere to non-pharmaceutical interventions such as hand hygiene, use of face mask and maintaining physical distancing if the pandemic is to be controlled.
‘The vaccine’s benefits continue to outweigh its risks’
The vaccine’s benefits continue to outweigh its risks, and the communication from WHO and relevant government agencies gives us confidence to proceed with vaccination to prevent a third wave of the pandemic.
‘These vaccines have undergone rigorous regulatory processes at global and country level and have been deemed safe and effective’
WHO wishes to congratulate the government of Nigeria for its participation in the global vaccine collaboration (COVAX) efforts and its commitment to protecting Nigerians against this COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines are a critical new tool in the battle against COVID-19; therefore, this is a step in the right direction. These vaccines have undergone rigorous regulatory processes at global and country level and have been deemed safe and effective.”
‘Taking the vaccine is a positive step to containing the virus and reducing the infection rate’
Taking the vaccine is a positive step to containing the virus and reducing the infection rate among frontline health workers who have been working tirelessly since the inception of the outbreak in Nigeria. I am happy that I am part of those receiving the vaccine, and I feel safe now, especially after being exposed to COVID-19 patients. Psychologically and mentally, I feel safe now. I am ready to go back to attending to my patients. With this first dose, I have 63 per cent assurance of being protected against the disease. The protection should increase when I take the second dose, but now I feel glad that we can take the vaccine in Nigeria”, she said. • Queen Ndochinwa, a Nursing Officer at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Lagos.
‘I will advise Nigerians to get the vaccine to protect themselves and their loved ones’
It’s a good thing to have received the COVID-19 vaccine, as it will assure some level of protection while still observing critical Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures while attending to my patients. I am confident about the science behind it. I will advise Nigerians who have the opportunity to get the vaccine to take it as it will protect them and their loved ones.
