Borno recieves 66,336 doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for second batch

By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –

The Executive Director, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA), Borno State, Dr. Goni Abba has confirmed that the state has acknowledged the receipt of 66,336 doses of Moderna Covid-19 vaccines for the second phase of vaccination.

Dr. Abba while speaking to journalist in his office on Friday, said the current vaccines differ from the previous Astra Zeneca vaccines administered in the first phase of vaccination.

He explained that those that have already taken the Astra Zeneca vaccines would not be allowed to take the second batch of Moderna vaccines that would be administered from Monday next week for 20 days.

The Executive Director, however, said thst the Astra Zeneca vaccine would also be made available in the next batch of the vaccines supply.

Dr. Abba explained that in order to avoid complications, a team in social mobilization unit, has already commenced sensitization of community leaders and the general pubic on the different vaccines and period of vaccination, with the hope that the exercise would continue till next year

The Executive Director further explained that there was no problem with the storage of the vaccines, adding that the state cold chain facility has provided a suitable storage of the vaccines under the appropriate temperature.

He said that only 25 LGAs which are accessible would be reached for the vaccination exercise excluding Abadam and Guzamala LGAs which are unaccessible for now due to security challenges.

Dr. Abba also added that all levels of training have been completed for all the health officers at the state and local government levels.

“So far there are 70 designated vaccination sites for the second batch of the vaccination exercise provided by the SPHCDA, while additional 18 Covid-19 vaccination points have been provided by two NGOs, namely – Alima International and Intercourse International”, he said.