As part of efforts to curtail the recurring waves of COVID-19 virus in the country, especially during festive periods, the Ogun State Government says it is targeting over two million residents in the upcoming Mass Vaccination Campaign before the December.

          Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker revealed this in Abeokuta, at a stakeholders' meeting on COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Campaign, saying the move is to rapidly upgrade coverage of fully vaccinated residents.

          Coker said vaccination was the only proven way to curb the spread of the virus, and ensure that there were no fatalities even when contracted, noting that the vaccine is safe and effective, with no serious adverse effects recorded so far in the State.

          "The Mass Vaccination Campaign is part of efforts to rapidly ramp up coverage of fully vaccinated residents and fast track the return of the State's economy to pre- COVID-19 level. Therefore, we need to intensify vaccination across all Local government areas in the State", she stated.

          The Commissioner urged the stakeholders to support the government's drive to curb spread of the virus, emphasising that it was important for them to mobilise people in their various localities to be vaccinated during the exercise.

          In his contribution, the Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola who said the objective of the meeting was to intimate participants on the current situation of the COVID-19 cases in the State, added that there is need to cover all eligible residents of 18 years and above, noting that vaccination points have been extended to selected private facilities to ensure mass coverage.

          In his presentation, the State Immunisation Officer, Dr. Suraj Olayinka submitted that second phase vaccination was still ongoing, pointing out that strategies to be adopted, include establishment of mass vaccination camps, increase in mobile posts from the current 26 to 62 sites, fixed posts from 105 to 422 and ensure the State reach its estimated target before the end of the year.

          Speaking on behalf of other participants, the Secretary, Red Cross, Ogun State, Mr. Oluwole Aboyade and representative of Mission Birth Attendants, Mrs. Titilope Akinbode respectively, commended the present administration on the proposed Campaign and for prioritising the wellbeing of residents, promising to mobilise people in their various groups and localities across the State.