Gombe recruits 4,000 vaccinators, recorders for AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination exercise
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
No fewer than 4,000 vaccinators, recorders, supervisors have been engaged by the Gombe State Ministry of Health to undertake AstraZeneca vaccination.
According to the State’s Commissioner for health Dr. Habu Dahiru, the state has attained 44 percent of the target population for the first batch dedicated to health workers whom are on the frontline.
The consultant physician made this disclosure on Wednesday, at a one day orientation of religious leaders, media houses on Covid-19 vaccine introduction in the state, organised by Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency (GSPHCDA).
Dahiru explained that this was achieved in collaboration with the GSPHCDA, to train people with requisite knowledge.
“About 4,000 were trained to administer the vaccine because it involves PHC’s at each of the 11 local government and there are about 5 to 7 points in each LGA with that we have a number of them that includes; vaccinator, recorder, supervisor all totalling to about 4,000 that are administering the vaccine,” he added.
While enumerating the states’ development, he stressed that over 15,959 had received the jab amounting to 44%, adding that the exercise is on it 7th day since the unveiling of the 71,340 doses by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya.
He said, “As at today, the total number of people vaccinated stands at 15,959 because everyday we hold review meeting and it is 44 percent of the target population and we are on the seventh day and it is supposed to take 10 days. If at this time am having 44 % am absolutely confident that we are going to achieve the goal.
“The media and religious leaders are special cohort in the community, where the listenership, readership and followership are large. The objective is to highlight what is Covid-19, signs and symptoms, tell them whether there is medication or not then what is the best way to prevent the infection and how they can convince people to come and take the vaccine as well as to answer frequently asked questions on the myth, misconception and apprehension of the vaccine.
“We have received so many questions on the efficacy of the vaccine and inturn we emphasized that the vaccine is highly efficacious 95%, if you take the first jab, second booster dose between 8-12 weeks, you have higher response, it is safe.”
Also, Dr. Abdulrahman Shu’aibu, Executive Secretary, Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency (GSPHCDA), in his opening address said Covid-19 has caused so much set back in the world resulting to lockdown, adding that there is need to unite in it prevention.
He added, “We gathered participants cutting across religious organization and the media, owing to their importance for us to discuss about issues concerning Covid-19 and the vaccine as well as the myth surrounding it.”
