No COVID-19 vaccines for anyone under-18. Buhari to be vaccinated on Live TV

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 says Nigerians under the age of 18 years will not receive the COVID-19 vaccines in the country.

The Minister of State for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora, made this known in an interview with newsmen. According to him, the Federal Government has plans to give out the vaccine to 70 per cent of Nigerians within two years. 

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha and other prominent Nigerians will be among the first set of Nigerians to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. They are expected to receive the first dose of the vaccine on live television on Saturday, March 6.

This was disclosed by the Executive Director/CEO, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib on Monday, March 1, at the joint national briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 in Abuja.

According to Shuaib, the Nigerian Leaders are expected to receive the first dose of the vaccine on Saturday, March 6, which would change the perception of some Nigerians towards the vaccine.

“Further to the clearance by NAFDAC, the PTF, FMOH, NPHCDA and strategic leaders will be at the treatment centre of the National Hospital on Friday, March 5th 2021, where the first vaccination site will be set up to commence the vaccination of the frontline health workers and support staff. On Saturday, March 6th, key strategic leaders will receive the first dose of the vaccine,” Faisal said.