Gombe Deputy Gov joins Boss to take Astrazeneca covid19 vaccine.
By Jack Tasha
Gombe State, Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau on Wednesday, joined his Boss, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to take the AstraZeneca Covid19 vaccine.
The duo had the vaccine administered on them shortly after an elaborate ceremony kick starting the vaccination exercise at the New Banquet Hall, Government House, Gombe.
The Deputy Governor who is the Chairman, State covid19 Coordinating Committee applauded the proactive measures of the Inuwa Yahaya- led administration towards mitigating the spread of the virus.
He explained that the ceremony was another effort to ensure that the residents of Gombe get inoculated against the pandemic that has baffled the nations of the world, leaving the developed countries more negatively affected in terms of devastation, numbers who tested positive, active cases and deaths.
While appreciating the benevolence and mercies of God for placing us in an environment and continent that has been less affected by the virus, going by the infection and death rates, Jatau admonished that, that does not mean people should relax, hence the steps taken by the respective governments and especially Gombe state to tame the virus through vaccination.
He said, “In Gombe state for example, since its onset 326 days ago we have recorded, as at 16th March 2021, 34, 246 tested cases, 2024 positive cases,(64 health workers) 1971 recovered cases, 9 active cases and 44 deaths, 2 being health workers (Senior Doctors).”
While advising the people in the state to avail themselves for the vaccination, the Deputy Governor however, noted that, as it is with all vaccines and drugs and even foods, it is quite normal that an insignificant number of individuals might experience slight adverse reactions after taking the vaccine, adding that it does not make the vaccine inefficacious, just like there is no medicine that is 100% free from some effects.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya explained that the vaccine signals the return of to normalcy through the gradual lifting of travel and work restrictions.
The Governor said, “the government is making necessary plans to ensuring success of the covid19 vaccination campaign through careful mapping and targeting of eligible persons during the first phase.
“The first phase shall cover health workers in public and private facilities in line with global practices where front line health workers and other associated health personels are given due priority.”
The Governor added that, the subsequent phases shall be for those 50 years and above, and those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and asthma, etc, pointing out that the decision for senior government offic byials to take the vaccine in this phase was to demonstrate confidence in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.
Jack.A.Tasha, (SSA Media and Publicity), Deputy Governor’s Office.
