Gombe State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, has said the state is yet to take delivery of its booster COVID-19 vaccine doses.
Dahiru said no fewer than 109,000 doses of Pfizer had been allotted the state, adding that the state has certified all requirements, which includes preservation and safety.
He made this disclosure on Friday, while fielding questions from journalists, about the state’s readiness to contain the spread of the virus.
According to the Commissioner, booster is taken six months after completing first and second jab of either Astrazeneca or Moderna vaccines, noting that it is merely a process.
He noted that compliance with COVID-19 protocols, as well as vaccination, provided citizens with great chances of securing their lives from Coronavirus.
Dahiru said, “Booster is yet to arrive. We got the number day before yesterday (Wednesday). In the distribution list they asked if we have where to keep the vaccine. We said yes, We have already replied them that our cold store is ready.
“We can accommodate 109,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine doses and that is Pfizer; for booster for those that have taken first and second doses. For those who have not taken the first and second if you are coming for the first one you can take it. Booster is only a process, after taking first, second dose.”
Commenting on possibility of having expired vaccine in the state, the commissioner debunked such insinuations that there are expired doses.
He added, “We don’t have expired doses of COVID-19 vaccine. We don’t accept vaccines that are about to expire. In Gombe we don’t have expired vaccine, all our vaccines are potent and we have cold stores that are 24/7 powered and we have adequate storage facility.”
While taking stock of the past one year of managing COVID-19 in Gombe, the State Incident Manager added, “We have been able to test 90,885 people, 2,776 cases tested positive. 2,690 have been managed and discharged, with 60 death from confirmed cases.”
Copyright PUNCH.