State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki on Tuesday flagged off his state’s second
dose vaccination exercise against coronavirus disease, urging those who took
the first dose to make themselves available for the booster dose meant to
provide full protection against the virus.
Governor Obaseki flagged off the exercise at the State Secretariat
Complex, along Sapele Road, Benin City.
“It is with great pleasure that I announce the launch of our campaign to
rid our state of the dreaded coronavirus. The virus has changed the way we live
and interact with one another globally,” he said.
“It is heartwarming today that we continue with our gradual return to our
normal lives with the commencement of the second dose coronavirus vaccination.
With this, we hope for brighter days ahead as we collectively fight to defeat
the virus.
“The second dose vaccination exercise commences today, June 1, and will
last for 40 days, during which period we intend to get the vaccines to our
people, including frontline workers who are 18 years and above across the 18
Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.”
Obaseki said the second dose is a booster dose which will provide full
protection against the coronavirus disease, adding: “The flag off is important
to create awareness in the state and boost public confidence in the safety and
efficiency of the vaccines.”
“I took the first dose. Despite all the fears expressed, nothing happened.
I am here today to flag off the second dose vaccination. Unfortunately, I can’t
take my second dose today because the time scheduled for me is not due. I will
be due for the second dose on the 12th of June. However, some people have
earlier dates. That is why the programme is launched today. I will take my
second dose on the 12th of June and you will be invited to know the importance
of the vaccination.”
Noting that the vaccines will be rolled out in phases, the governor said
the first phase is being administered to frontline workers, strategic leaders
and the elderly.
He explained that the second and third phases will follow and the rest of
the eligible population will take turns to be vaccinated, adding that the goal
of his administration is to vaccinate about 70 percent of the population.
Obaseki added, “For those who have not been vaccinated, it is important to
take the vaccine because, by the end of June, it might be almost impossible to
travel around the world without a vaccination certificate.
“Government alone can’t fix this pandemic. We must all play our part by
adhering to COVID 19 protocol to enable us to protect our loved ones, even
after taking the second dose of the vaccines.”
Governor Obaseki seized the opportunity to thank President Muhammadu
Buhari for his support and role played in the fight against the COVID-19
pandemic, noting that different stakeholders, particularly development
partners, worked in synergy with the Edo State Government in ridding the state
of the virus.
He stated further, “We have vaccinated 38,500 people in the first phase of
the first dose vaccination exercise. We are expecting that 38,500 people will
come forward for their second dose. It is only then that you will have full
immunization.
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