As Nigerians continue to drag their feet on whether to take the COVID-19 Vaccine or not, a Social Media Influencer, Peace Promotion Fellow and Gender Justice Advocate in Jos has called on them to overcome their fears and get vaccinated against the COVID-19 Vaccines which she said are available at Primary Health Care Centres and other Health Facilities.

She made this known while sharing her true experience about the COVID-19 Vaccine during a special COVID-19 Vaccine Public Education Radio Programme sponsored by Centre for Information Technology And Development (CITAD)/MacArthur Foundation on KT 103.9 FM Jos, Plateau State.

According to her, the poor uptake of the COVID-19 Vaccines is on account of numerous factor ranging from misinformation, trust deficit and fear among the people.
She said she has been vaccinated against the virus having gotten the right information about the virus and the vaccine by Health Experts.

She hinted that the virus is still around despite the lifting of the protocols earlier placed.
“It is more beneficial to take the COVID-19 Vaccine than not to” she said.
She said the doubt people are nursing is unnecessary.

Against the backdrop of misinformation and conspiracy theories, she said it is disservice to humanity discouraging people from getting vaccinated saying the vaccines are free, safe and effective.
She said having taken the vaccine, she can attest of the safety and efficacy.

She admonished the citizens not to put their lives at risk by believing the information they come across about the vaccine but instead verify the authenticity from health experts.
She frowned at health Workers who are found of discouraging people from taking the vaccine and was of the opinion that appropriate sanctions be meted on them.

On the mild reaction after taking the vaccine, she hinted that she witnessed feverish condition which lasted for two days which she said is normal and even mild compared to her experience three years ago after she took the for B Vaccination. She said her Mother who took the vaccine didn’t witness any adverse reaction.

Sge lauded CITAD/MacArthur Foundation for sensitizing the public about the virus and vaccine through its COVID-19 Vaccine Public Education Project. She said having attended the town hall meeting it organized, she has been better informed about the virus and vaccine. She called for more sensitization on the vaccine so that people will have confidence on the vaccine and take same.

She also commended Health Experts across the World for coming together and producing vaccine to combat the COVID-19 pandemic which remain a threat to public health.

She urged the citizens to take vaccine in order not to go down with the virus since it has been proven to be safe and effective for full use.

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