Lagos cautions residents over mixture AstraZeneca, Moderna vaccines

.Resumes administration of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine

IBRAHIM QUADRI

Lagos State will on Monday 30 (today) resume the administration of second doses of the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine to persons who have received the first dose of the jab during the first phase of the vaccination exercise in the State.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs in the ministry of Health, Tunbosun Ogunbawo, warning that people should be wary of mixing Astra Zeneca with that of Moderna vaccines.

The administration of the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine will be held across 88 vaccination sites used during the first phase of the vaccination exercise for 20 days; between Monday 30th August and Friday 24tb September, 2021.

It is pertinent to note that only persons who have taken the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine and are due for the second dose are eligible for this exercise.

Citizens who have  received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine and due for a second dose are encouraged to report to the vaccination sites where they received the first dose, to get their second jab.

To get the second dose, eligible persons are only required to come to the vaccination sites with their vaccination cards as scheduled between the hours of 9.00am and 3.00pm, weekdays only. There is no need for E-registration for this category of people.

It is important to note that mixing one brand of vaccine with another brand in this exercise is not allowed. Those who have received AstraZeneca as first dose should receive AstraZeneca as second dose, while those who have received Moderna as first dose will receive Moderna as second dose when due.

The Lagos State Government is working with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, and other Stakeholders’ to ensure that there is no confusion on which vaccines will be given to whom.

All those who have taken the first dose of AstraZeneca vaccines and are due for a second dose would ONLY receive AstraZeneca during this exercise.

We would like to remind the public particularly persons 18 years and above, who have not received any COVID vaccine, that the administration of the first dose of Moderna vaccine is still on at designated183 vaccination sites across Lagos State.

Citizens who have not received any vaccine are therefore encouraged to pre-register and schedule an appointment for the Moderna vaccine on the E-registration portal of the NPHCDA: https://nphcda.vaccination.gov.ng/

Both  AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines are highly effective against serious illness and death from COVID variants including the Delta variant.

Citizens are advised to get all recommended vaccine doses to develop maximum protection. The vaccines are safe and very effective. Get vaccinated today to protect yourself and your loved ones.