Plans are underway for the vaccination of staff and students of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) against Covid-19. The leader of the Abia State team for Covid-19 vaccination and the Director of Community Health Services at the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Chris Elemeuwa, made this known during his working visit to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe on Thursday.
According to Dr. Elemeuwa, who emphasized that vaccination remains the best way to ensure protection against Covid-19, the team’s sensitization campaign in Abia State was necessitated by reports of a high level of vaccine hesitancy in the State. The leader of the delegation disclosed that plans are being concluded for the vaccination of all willing staff and students of the University, describing the University as a strategic point for the campaign, due to its large population of enlightened individuals.
Speaking further, Dr. Elemeuwa, who stressed that the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and 80% effective, added that the Covid-19 team would be available for the vaccination exercise at any date scheduled by the University.
Responding, Prof. Madu Iwe thanked the team for identifying the University as an important point for its advocacy on Covid-19 vaccination. He commended the Federal Ministry of Health for its efforts in the fight against the virus. The VC assured the visitors of the University management’s maximum cooperation, adding that a date would be scheduled for them to sensitize members of the University community on the need for the Covid-19 vaccination, so that interested individuals can be vaccinated afterwards.