Contrary to the intitial misconception, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) has said that both pregnant and lactating mothers can be given COVID-19 vaccines.
Responding to frequently asked questions on their updated site dated 07/01/2022, NPHCDA also assured that even people with underlying health challenges can also go for their COVID-19 vaccines to help boost their immunity.
The question, numbered 7 said, “Who can receive COVID-19 vaccine?
And the response read, “In Nigeria, COVID-19 vaccine is administered to persons of 18 years and older including pregnant women and lactating mothers”.
Question 8 read, “Can people with underlying medical conditions receive COVID-19 vaccine? and the answer was a categorical “Yes.”
“COVID-19 vaccination is especially important for people with underlying medical conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer, HIV etc. People with these conditions are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines do not cause the disease but help the body develop immunity against the disease”.
NPHCDA also disclosed that persons aged 16 and 17 years have been given a waiver to receive COVID-19 vaccine if required for educational purposes, saying however that despite the fact vaccination is not compulsory, it is strongly recommended that people get vaccinated against COVID-19 to stop the spread of the virus.
The agency said, “When you get vaccinated, you protect yourself, your family, friends, and your community against the disease. The evidence of vaccination against some diseases such as Yellow Fever and recently COVID-19 is required for entry into some countries. Also, with effect from 1st December 2021, Federal government employees and anyone visiting Federal Government’s institutions are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or present a negative COVID 19 test result”.
