Federal government says it will soon commence the implementation of a basic rule of law on Nigerians refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib who stated this at the agency’s weekly update of the COVID-19 vaccination in Abuja s, said it had become necessary as such individuals may endanger those vaccinated.
“The Presidential Steering Committee and the Federal Ministry of Health are exploring ways of making vaccines more available to Nigerians including Federal Civil Servants and Corporate entities.
If some individuals refuse to take the vaccine, hence endangering those who have or those who could not due to medical exemptions, then we have to apply the basic rule of law which stipulates that ‘your human right stops where mine begins’. So, you have a right to refuse vaccines, but you do not have the right to endanger the health of others”. Dr Shuaib said.
The Executive Director who cautioned Nigerians against misinformation on the vaccines said, it could negatively affect the health of citizens.
On the viral text message purportedly saying the United States Supreme court ordered the cancellation of the universal vaccination, Dr Shaiub debunked the report in its entirety.
While encouraging state governors to continue to provide leadership in the mobilisation of citizens to prioritise the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine, he commended the governor of Edo State Godwin Obaseki for mobilising churches and religious leaders towards mass acceptance of the vaccine urging other state governors to follow suit.
Dr Shiaub added that the agency would continue to work closely with states to optimise logistics for the full takeoff of the phase 2 vaccination exercise in order to ensure maximum utilisation of available vaccines in Nigeria.
RN