Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora on Monday in Lagos decried propaganda against the COVID-19 vaccine as desecrating the memory of those who lost their lives to the virus.
Mamora told newsmen during a visit to the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) that the propaganda was also a disservice to frontline health workers toiling assiduously to care for COVID-19 patients.
“The level or misinformation on the COVID-19 vaccine is disheartening.
“Those spreading propaganda on the COVID-19 vaccine are doing two terrible things; one they are mocking the memory of people who died due to COVID-19 complications.
“Secondly, they are doing a great disservice to efforts of our health workers who are risking their lives to save as many COVID-19 patients as possible daily.
“I am supposed to be in Abuja on Monday to get vaccinated alongside other members of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, but I have an engagement in NIMR.
“I will get my shot as soon as I return to Abuja so that people won’t say I don’t want to get vaccinated,’’ he explained.
The minister advised Nigerians not to depart from safety protocols because of the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“We should not let our guard down after receiving the COVID-19,’’ he said.
Mamora said while the vaccine was not mandatory, it was advisable for frontline health workers in particular to get vaccinated for their safety.
“We did not make it mandatory for health workers, but it is advisable that they get the shot.
“As we progress, we might get to the point where COVID-19 vaccine will be required before leaving the shores of our country because countries have a right to protect their people,’’ the minister said. (NAN)
