Selling Covid-19 vaccination card is criminal – Gombe deputy gov
Gombe State Government has warned those planning to sell Covid-19 vaccination card to desist or face punishment.
The government also clarified that Covid-19 vaccination does not have any fee, advising those with such proof to report perpetrators for sanction.
Handing this warning in Balanga Local Government, Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Jatau noted that vaccination is the most promising ‘tool’ for prevention of Covid-19.
He stated this on Thursday, while declaring open medical outreach/ Covid-19 mass vaccination towards improving the coverage of activities in the state.
According to him, the launch is in line with the National activity aimed at improving the coverage of the Covid-19 vaccination across the country.
He said, “So far vaccination is the most promising ‘tool’ in protecting people from Covid-19, and it’s unwanted effects. The strategy of mass vaccination adopted by the state is to ensure wider coverage and accessibility to the vaccine.”
While informing members of the public about the importance of the vaccination card, the deputy governor stressed that that the vaccine is totally free, warning that those who want to sell it should be reported.
Jatau added, “Owning or issuing Covid-19 vaccination card by or to people that have not undergone the test and vaccination is criminal and appropriate sanctions shall be applied once caught.”
The Covid-19 management committee chairman explained the choice of the programme at Balanga noting that it is due to the prevalence and the failure bof the residents to subscribe to testing and vaccination.
“I’m uncomfortable,but must state that, this programme is starting in Balanga because records available to Covid-19 Management Committee shows that the Local Government Area has the highest number of reported cases and, with the greatest number prevalence of refusal to submission to be tested for the virus.
“This is unfortunate and had enough . Concerned persons of Balanga and it’s lovers must see this as a challenge that must be addressed and now. All stakeholders must do whatever they can to ensure that this trend is reversed,” he added.
