The Lagos State Civil Society Coalition Against COVID 19 under the coordination of Centre for 21st Century Issues (C21ST) has urged Lagos residents to partake actively in the recently commenced vaccination exercise.
The CSO’s in a statement pleaded with residents to make themselves available for vaccination as a means of protection against the third wave of the virus and the rising case of infections. This is as the Lagos State government, on Wednesday, August 25 announced the commencement of the vaccination exercise.
The coordinating ministry of health also disclosed that the number of vaccination centres across the state to enable citizens have ample access to get vaccinated have been increased
Commending the State Government, the coalition stated they will be deploying Field Monitors in the 183 vaccination centres across the state for the purposes of observing the vaccination process and for engagement of government towards achieving the success of the exercise.
The Field Monitors are expected to access the state of vaccination facilities as well as recipients’ perception of COVID-19 vaccination exercise across the the centres located across the state.
The outcome of the monitoring exercise will be documented to consolidate on the coalition’s report on its monitoring of the First Phase of the vaccination exercise.
The coalition will be deploying the outcome of the monitoring exercise to engage Lagos State Government and relevant agencies including the Lagos State Ministry of Health (LSMOH) and the Primary Health Care Board (PHCB) to improve on responses to health emergencies and future pandemic.
It is imperative to reiterate that the Moderna vaccine being deployed for the Phase 2 of COVID-19 vaccination will involve a two doses like the AstraZeneca vaccine that was deployed during the Phase 1 of the vaccination/exercise. After the first dose, recipients will therefore be required to return for the second dose at a later date to be announced. It is also important to emphasize that vaccination exercise will take place during the weekend (Saturday and Sunday).
“We urge Lagos residents to visit online portal to register for COVID-19 vaccination. The online registration will enable residents obtain pre-vaccination numbers and for the purposes of scheduling their preferred date and time of vaccination.” the statement urged
According to the coalition, it is imperative to emphasize that while residents must ensure they are vaccinated, it is of utmost importance to adhere to non-pharmaceutical protocols such as wearing of facemasks, hand washing, physical distancing and hygiene practices to guide against COVID-19 infections.
