COVID-19: Ogun vaccinates over 600 intending Hajj pilgrims

Ogun state has vaccinated Over 600 intending Hajj pilgrims against COVID-19 as part of requirements for the 2021 Holy pilgrimage to Mecca-Hajj.

Alhaji Dauda Salau, Executive Secretary, Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (OGSMPWB), disclosed this at the end of a two-day vaccination exercise in Abeokuta on Monday.

The vaccination was in compliance with the new health policy of Saudi Arabia and the directive of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The state government was concerned about the wellbeing and safety of the people, particularly those intending to perform the pilgrimage.

He urged the intending pilgrims to always comply with COVID-19 protocols and make themselves available for the second dose of the vaccine at the appropriate time.

“I am impressed with the large turnout of intending pilgrims who have received the COVID-19 vaccination.

“This is a positive indication and the present administration is determined to ensure that intending pilgrims from Ogun state are vaccinated against COVID-19 for their wellbeing and safety in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

“Let me add that after receiving the first dose of Astra Zeneca vaccine, you are expected to get another dose after a few weeks,” Salau said.

Contrary to rumours in some quarters that the intending pilgrims were made to pay for the vaccine.

Alhaja Basirat Akintunde, the Commissioner, South West Zone of NAHCON, said the exercise was free and safe for intending pilgrims adding that the vaccine is important.

The state Immunisation Officer, Primary Health Care Board, Dr Surajudeen Olayinka, affirmed the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

He relieved the fears of the general public on possible side effects, stressing that the vaccine had been subjected to laboratory tests.

“There is no need for worries as Astra Zeneca vaccine has been found to be safe and effective by relevant health authorities,” Olayinka said.

Kamila/Vanguard