From Karen James,
Nnewi
The Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone has urged the public to disregard rumours in the social media trying to discourage people from accepting the COVID-19, saying they are unfounded and ill-advised.
Prof. Esimone said this after taking the jab at the office of the Commissioner for Health, Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka.
“As a health scientist, I know those are unfounded rumours and as you can see I have taken the vaccine.
“I am a vaccinologist by training and we know that vaccines constitute the most accessible and affordable means of preventing any kind of infectious diseases especially the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is advisable for all to take the vaccine; this is my card, it is safe and I encourage Nigerians to do the same and we should be our brothers’ keepers.
The VC noted that for Nigeria to achieve health immunity, about 70 per cent of the population must be vaccinated in one way or the other.
“We are leading by example; that is why we are receiving this vaccine as well as telling our people that this is the right way to go.
“Others should join in doing the same by encouraging their loved ones to take the vaccine,’’ he said.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration UNIZIK, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, said that the only way COVID-19 can be handled is by prevention since there’s no cure yet for it particularly in the area of medicinal cure. “So, we have to encourage ourselves, accept the COVID-19 that has come to stay with us and the only way we can handle it is through preventions and directives from relevant bodies.
