47,000 persons received Covid-19 first dose in Gombe
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
About 47,000 persons received the first dose of Coronavirus vaccine in Gombe, with a total coverage of 103 percent across the 11 Local Government Areas of the state.
Gombe population is estimated at approximately 3.5 million residents, although the first dose was dedicated to those above 50 years of age, strategic leaders and health care workers.
Recall that the state last announced delivery of 71,340 from National Primary Health Care Development Agency in March.
Speaking on Tuesday, during the commencement of second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine by the Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, Commissioner for Health Dr. Habu Dahiru, said the state had 78 posts where the jab was administered.
Dahiru revealed that the state had shown commitment to vaccinate willing residents, adding that the process which would be in batches may continue till 2023.
He said, “On the 17th of March the flag off took place at the banquet hall with the governor taking the first jab, followed by deputy governor, members of the state Assembly and executive council and strategic leaders were vaccinated.
“Thereafter, there were 78 posts where people from the various communities were vaccinated successfully with about 47,000 persons were immunised with total coverage of 103 %.
“Today, 1st of June 2021, we are taking the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine. You could see the governor, was the first to take the AstraZeneca vaccine this signals the commencement of the second round of the vaccination.”
While urging residents to voluntarily opt to take the jab, the commissioner stressed that the locations were still accessible.
“The locations are scattered in the town and people should avail themselves to these areas to take the second jab. I want to call on them to remember to come with their card, so that it will be captured as required,” he added.
On the position of those yet to receive, Dahiru said, “Remember when we came with the first we said we are going to start with health workers, strategic leaders. Now a second dose is coming, we said we are going to have it in three batches, second batch will be for those with pre-existing conditions and the ones above 18 up to 2023 it will continue. The vaccination will be administered as we receive the vaccines.”
