Dr Rilwanu Mohammmed, Chairman Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA) has tasked the media to disabuse the minds of people rejecting COVID-19 vaccines in the state.
Mohammmed made the call at the media orientation meeting on COVID-19 Phase 2 vaccination on Wednesday in Bauchi.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were exposed to false information.
“Inaccurate or misleading misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccines have caused confusion and led people to decline vaccines.
“Rejecting public health measures such as masking and physical distancing and use of unproven treatments,” he said
He said that COVID-19 vaccines would help in keeping people safe from getting seriously ill even with the COVID-19.
“Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
“Like any vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines can cause mild, short term side effects such as a low-grade fever, pain or redness at the injection site.
“Most reactions to vaccines are mild and go away within a few days on their own,” he said.
Dr Bello Bakunawa, the Health Specialist with the National Primary HealthCare Development Agency (NPHCDA), said COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated in clinical trials.
“The vaccines have been approved because those studies show that the vaccine significantly reduces the probability of contracting the virus,” he pointed.
On his part, Mr Mohammmed Abubakar, Head of Communication NPHCDA, explained that rumours might lead to mistrust contributing to vaccine hesitancy.
“Tracking COVID-19 vaccine misinformation in real-time and engaging with social media to disseminate correct information could help safeguard the public against misinformation,” he said.
Abubakar urged the media to always seek government response and reactions on COVID-19 and other related issues before publishing.