The traditional ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu Community in Njikoka Local Government Area, Igwe Ralph Ekpeh, the President General of the town, Comrade Bonny Ozonkwuaku as well some members of the community have received the first jab of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
The seventy-eight-year-old monarch, who was vaccinated alongside his wife, is leading the way at a time when the vaccine has received criticisms and resistance from many people.
The vaccination, administered by medical professionals from the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, ASPHCDA, is a keen demonstration of Governor Willie Obiano’s target to ensure COVID-19-free Anambra state.
The AstraZeneca vaccine was delivered to Anambra State by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, NPHCDA, last week after Nigeria had taken delivery of the vaccine from World Health Organization, WHO and COVAX.
Speaking shortly after getting his first jab, Igwe Ekpeh, said that resistance towards the vaccine was meaningless as its safety has been assured by both global health institutions and the government.
Igwe Ekpeh also called on the people of the community to go for the vaccine when it becomes available to them, as the ravages of COVID-19 could only be contained when everyone is safe.
The President General of Enugwu-Ukwu Community Development Union, ECDU, Comrade Bonny Ozonkwuaku, who also got vaccinated, commended Anambra State Government for being one of the first states in Nigeria to roll out the vaccine, observing that its efficacy has been acclaimed globally. UP SOT
Wife of the traditional ruler, Mrs Dora Ekpeh and Eighty-three-year-old Mrs Gloria Ukamaka Nworah, the mother of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, Dr Uche Nworah, who were also among those that were vaccinated said that they felt normal after taking the jab and noted that they would take the campaign of the vaccine safety to other people in the community and outside of it, especially women who are in doubt.
The Departmental Head, Njikoka Health Authority, Dr Ikechukwu Obiudu, who led the team health experts to the traditional ruler’s palace, also explained how the vaccine works including the after-jab effects to include mild fever or numbness of the injected arm, which would fade away after a day.
Note that the European Medicines Agency, EMA, had endorsed the vaccine to have ninety-five percent efficacy after intensive clinical trials.
The vaccination is free of cost, while the second and final jabs are to be taken after twelve weeks.
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