The Oyo State Government as well as some other states, nearly two weeks after the rollout of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, is yet to begin vaccination.
This is contrary to the resolution of the March 4 Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting directing all governors to publicly take the vaccine alongside their deputies on March 10. They are also to roll out vaccine in their states.
Some of the governors yet to take jabs are Samuel Ortom (Benue), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ben Ayade (Cross River), Mai-Mala Buni (Yobe), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa) and Nyesom Wike (Rivers).
According to NGF, states helmsmen and their deputies would receive jabs publicly to encourage residents to get vaccinated.
There is vaccine apathy in some states, such as Kano, Abia and Gombe, over safety concerns.
Oyo, which received the vaccine last Friday, said it was still preparing for the roll out.
Commissioner for Health Dr Bashir Bello said: “We are trying to ensure that the state modifies its website.”
He declared the state was also taking precautions to minimise adverse reactions from the vaccine, especially after some European countries suspended its use.
“One of the factors some countries gave for suspending the vaccine was intravascular coagulation, a factor which means that the blood will clot within the vessels.
“If it blocks any part of the body and it is no longer vacuolated, that is paralysis for that side because there is no blood in circulation.
“If perchance it involves the coronary artery, which is a very tiny one, it will lead to shock and immediate death.
“So, we now add what we call a coagulometer, which we have had at the Olodo (Infectious Disease Centre) all along and it is going to be optional. That is one of the precautions Oyo State is trying to take along with its vaccination procedure.
“We decided to carry out a sterility test to determine if the vaccine does not have any other secondary form of infective substance.
“So, all these are being carried out at present at our two laboratories. Within the next few days, we will have some results on the test.
“We also have to prepare about three centres – fixed vaccination centres – in various LGAs.”
