By Maryam Garba Hassan
The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, his Commissioners, management and staff of the Commission were yesterday vaccinated with the Oxford Astra-Zeneca vaccine against Covid-19.
A statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the Commision’s Head, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, said earlier, NAHCON had sent letters advising State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and intending pilgrims to register and receive jabs of the vaccine under their respective state government allocations.
It said this followed an advisory letter from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency expressing fear that if intending pilgrims miss this first phase of vaccination, the time frame may be insufficient for them to receive the second dose before 2021 Hajj season.
According to the statement, it is recommended that intending pilgrims wishing to participate in the 2021 Hajj to seize the opportunity of the on-going inoculation exercise to be vaccinated.
“Some States Pilgrims Welfare Boards have already commenced vaccination of their registered pilgrims in alliance with their respective state governments”, it added.
The statement further said after receiving his jab of the vaccine, NAHCON Chairman expressed gratitude for witnessing the day, saying that he feels fine and encouraged whoever wishes to participate in the year’s Hajj to have hope and start preparing by first availing themselves for vaccination as exemplified by the Commission.
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