shippingposition
  • Home
  • News
  • Editorial
    • Vox Pop
  • Maritime safety
  • Oil and Gas
  • Personality
  • Health
No Result
View All Result
shippingposition

Home » COVID-19 Booster Shots Shouldn’t Be Nigeria’s Priority, Virologist Tells FG

COVID-19 Booster Shots Shouldn’t Be Nigeria’s Priority, Virologist Tells FG

by Joshua
November 29, 2021
in Health

A professor of virology at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Sunday Omilabu, says getting COVID-19 booster shots should not be the priority of the Federal Government.

VACCINE SHOT

According to the virologist, the FG should rather focus on ensuring that more Nigerians get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Prof. Omilabu said at least 40 per cent of eligible Nigerians should be vaccinated before considering purchasing the COVID-19 booster shots.

Recall that the Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, had said that the Federal government had concluded plans to get COVID-19 booster dose to help build a healthy level of anti-bodies.

Mustapha, who spoke during the COVID-19 national briefing in Abuja said the committee was targeting to vaccinate about half of the nation’s population by the end of January 2022.

While the overall population of eligible Nigerians targeted for COVID-19 vaccination to enable the country to reach herd immunity against the virus is 111,776,503; only 3,252,067 Nigerians had received their second dose and were fully vaccinated, representing only 2.9 per cent of the overall population of eligible persons.

But, Omilabu, who is also Director, Centre for Human and Zoonotic Virology, CMUL, said getting booster shots does not make sense if other eligible Nigerians are not vaccinated against the viral infection.

“Nigeria should try as much as possible to vaccinate a good proportion of the population before we start talking about booster shots; at least, if we cover about 40 per cent of Nigerians of that vaccine age.

“So, after the 40 per cent coverage, we can now be talking of whether to go for booster doses or not. If only about three million eligible Nigerians have only been fully vaccinated, will they go ahead and give the three million people booster vaccines? What about the remaining millions of eligible Nigerians?

“It doesn’t make any sense as long as those other million are still in existence and yet to be vaccinated, they will make nonsense of the immunity that the three million have. We have to cover more people with vaccines before we start talking about booster doses,” he said.

The virologist noted that the countries administering booster shots have vaccinated beyond 70 per cent of their population.

“Getting booster shots is not the priority now. People don’t have access to vaccines and that’s the problem, we need more vaccines to go round for the people and that’s my advice.

“There should be more vaccines to go round and those yet to be vaccinated should take advantage to get the jab so that it will increase our level of herd immunity,” the don said.

According to the World Health Organisation, booster doses are administered to a vaccinated population that has completed a primary vaccination series (currently one or two doses of COVID-19 vaccine depending on the product) when, with time, the immunity and clinical protection has fallen below a rate deemed sufficient in that population.

The objective of a booster dose is to restore vaccine effectiveness from that deemed no longer sufficient.

WHO’s Director of the Department of Immunisation, Vaccines and Biologicals, Dr. Katherine O’Brien, explained that the reasons for COVID-19 booster shots are if one is in a category of people that didn’t respond adequately to the first two doses received; if over time the immunity received and achieved as a result of being vaccinated starts to wane; and if the performance of the vaccines is less or inadequate against some of the variants of concern that have emerged.

Speaking during the WHO’s weekly programme, Science in 5, Dr. O’Brien said evidence shows that the vaccines that people have received are holding up really well to protect against severe disease, against hospitalisation, and against death.

Read Also: Increasing Rate Of High Blood Pressure In Children Worrisome – Cardiologist

“And that’s really the primary intent of the vaccines. What we also see is that we’re in a really inequitable place right now about who has already received the first and the second doses to provide protection against the severe outcomes in low-income countries and low middle-income countries that they are only at about one per cent, two per cent, five per cent of the population having received vaccine already.

“And that compares with a lot of vaccines having been deployed in high-income countries and upper-middle-income countries. So the focus now for the supply needs to be to protect those people who are not yet protected at all by vaccines. It will reduce transmission, it will reduce the likelihood of more variants emerging, and it will give us time to see more of the evidence about whether or not booster doses will eventually be needed.

“Nobody is safe until we all have the opportunity to be vaccinated, to be protected against the virus while vaccine coverage is increasing.

“And what that really means is getting doses now to those parts of the world that have not had adequate supply so far. While we’re doing that, it’s really important to continue the other measures that reduce transmission of the virus. That includes mask-wearing, hand-washing, not gathering in large crowds when you’re indoors, being in well-ventilated spaces. Those are the things that, along with the vaccines, are going to protect you both from disease and from the transmission of the virus.

“And that’s what the focus is right now. That’s what’s going to end this pandemic,” the expert said.

shippingposition

Kindly like us on Facebook


Tags: COVID-19 Booster Shots

Related Posts

KNOW YOUR BODY PARTS: THE HEART

KNOW YOUR BODY PARTS: THE HEART

June 30, 2025
Why Your Favourite Seasoning Cubes May Be Hurting Your Kidneys

Why Your Favourite Seasoning Cubes May Be Hurting Your Kidneys

June 30, 2025
Contraceptive Pills Can’t Cause Cervical Cancer – Expert

Contraceptive Pills Can’t Cause Cervical Cancer – Expert

June 30, 2025
ONIONS: The Good Old Healing Vegetable

KNOW YOUR BODY PARTS: The Liver The liver is a vital organ located in the right upper abdomen, playing a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, and digestion. It’s the largest solid organ in the body and is responsible for filtering blood, maintaining blood sugar levels, regulating clotting, and synthesizing essential proteins. The liver also stores energy, removes toxins, and produces bile, which aids in digestion Liver functions: · Metabolism and Detoxification: The liver processes nutrients from the blood, breaks down and balances them, and creates essential substances for the body. It detoxifies harmful substances like drugs and alcohol, converting them into less toxic forms for excretion. The liver plays a role in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It stores glycogen (a form of glucose) and vitamins, releasing them when the body needs them. · Digestion: The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to help digest fats. Bile also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. · Blood Regulation: The liver regulates blood sugar levels by storing and releasing glucose. It synthesizes clotting factors, which are essential for blood clotting. It removes old red blood cells and processes bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. · Other Functions: The liver plays a role in immunity, helping to fight off infections. It produces proteins that are involved in the immune response. The liver also stores iron and other essential minerals. Frequently Asked Questions About The Liver · What are the first signs of a bad liver? The initial signs of liver problems can be vague and subtle, often including fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite. As the liver’s condition worsens, more specific symptoms may emerge, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itchy skin, dark urine, and light-colored stools. Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right quadrant, can also indicate liver issues. · Where do you feel liver pain? Liver pain is typically felt in the upper right abdomen, just beneath the rib cage. It can manifest as a dull, throbbing pain, a stabbing sensation, or a general feeling of discomfort in that area. In some cases, liver pain might be felt as an ache in the right shoulder or back. · What does liver pain feel like? How liver pain feels can vary from person to person, depending on the cause. However, most people often develop one or more of the following symptoms: Dull, persistent aches in the upper abdomen A feeling of fullness or bloating Sharp, stabbing pains that come and go Tenderness when the upper abdomen is touched · What is the best way to cleanse your liver? If you haven’t been working out, start indulging in a regular exercise regime to allow the toxins to come out of your body. Yoga, going running, hitting the gym, or a simple sauna session can also prove effective. If you want a natural liver cleanse, sweating is the way to go. · How to know if the liver is swollen? What are the symptoms of an enlarged liver? You likely won’t notice an enlarged liver on your own. In some severe cases, you might notice a feeling of bloating or fullness in your belly or an ache in your upper right abdomen. · What is the best drink to flush your liver? Many citrus fruits, including lemon, can be added to water to help stimulate and flush out the liver. Lemons are high in nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants

June 16, 2025

Discussion about this post

Latest News

People & Places To Watch In The Maritime Industry In 2025

FRONT PAGE COMMENT: Adewale Adeniyi: Two Years of Steady Hands at the Helm of Nigeria Customs

June 30, 2025

Despite ₦5.17trn Surplus, Dollar Dominates Nigeria-China Trade As Naira-Yuan Swap Struggles

Tinubu Hails Customs CG’s WCO Council Election

FG To Begin Boat Manufacturing, Phase Out Rickety Vessels –Shippers Council

Nigerian Exporters Reject AfCFTA over Poor Infrastructure, Dollar Dependence, Policy Gaps  

Stakeholders Decry Power Tussle Over Wreck Removal, Demand Transparency from NIMASA on Sea Protection Levies 

LASWA to Introduce 70 Electric-Powered Boats to Enhance Waterway Safety, Targets 100,000 Daily Passengers

For The Sake Of Nigerian Seafarers

INTERVIEW: “Nigeria has a very good chance of winning the IMO Council seat”—Dr. Paul Adalikwu

Mawani Grants SGP Four 20-Year Port Concessions

Ningbo-Zhoushan Container Volumes Hit New Record In H1

IMO Agrees To Start Revision Of Outdated Regulations For Nuclear-Powered Ships

kindly like our Facebook page

Health

Contraceptive Pills Can’t Cause Cervical Cancer – Expert
Health

Contraceptive Pills Can’t Cause Cervical Cancer – Expert

June 30, 2025

Mrs Roseline Akinlabi, Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health Desk Officer, Osun Primary Healthcare Board, says contraceptive pills cannot cause...

ONIONS: The Good Old Healing Vegetable

KNOW YOUR BODY PARTS: The Liver The liver is a vital organ located in the right upper abdomen, playing a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, and digestion. It’s the largest solid organ in the body and is responsible for filtering blood, maintaining blood sugar levels, regulating clotting, and synthesizing essential proteins. The liver also stores energy, removes toxins, and produces bile, which aids in digestion Liver functions: · Metabolism and Detoxification: The liver processes nutrients from the blood, breaks down and balances them, and creates essential substances for the body. It detoxifies harmful substances like drugs and alcohol, converting them into less toxic forms for excretion. The liver plays a role in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It stores glycogen (a form of glucose) and vitamins, releasing them when the body needs them. · Digestion: The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to help digest fats. Bile also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. · Blood Regulation: The liver regulates blood sugar levels by storing and releasing glucose. It synthesizes clotting factors, which are essential for blood clotting. It removes old red blood cells and processes bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. · Other Functions: The liver plays a role in immunity, helping to fight off infections. It produces proteins that are involved in the immune response. The liver also stores iron and other essential minerals. Frequently Asked Questions About The Liver · What are the first signs of a bad liver? The initial signs of liver problems can be vague and subtle, often including fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite. As the liver’s condition worsens, more specific symptoms may emerge, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itchy skin, dark urine, and light-colored stools. Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right quadrant, can also indicate liver issues. · Where do you feel liver pain? Liver pain is typically felt in the upper right abdomen, just beneath the rib cage. It can manifest as a dull, throbbing pain, a stabbing sensation, or a general feeling of discomfort in that area. In some cases, liver pain might be felt as an ache in the right shoulder or back. · What does liver pain feel like? How liver pain feels can vary from person to person, depending on the cause. However, most people often develop one or more of the following symptoms: Dull, persistent aches in the upper abdomen A feeling of fullness or bloating Sharp, stabbing pains that come and go Tenderness when the upper abdomen is touched · What is the best way to cleanse your liver? If you haven’t been working out, start indulging in a regular exercise regime to allow the toxins to come out of your body. Yoga, going running, hitting the gym, or a simple sauna session can also prove effective. If you want a natural liver cleanse, sweating is the way to go. · How to know if the liver is swollen? What are the symptoms of an enlarged liver? You likely won’t notice an enlarged liver on your own. In some severe cases, you might notice a feeling of bloating or fullness in your belly or an ache in your upper right abdomen. · What is the best drink to flush your liver? Many citrus fruits, including lemon, can be added to water to help stimulate and flush out the liver. Lemons are high in nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants

June 16, 2025
ONIONS: The Good Old Healing Vegetable

ONIONS: The Good Old Healing Vegetable

June 16, 2025
Why Prostate Disorder Cases Are Increasing Among Nigerian Men – Experts

Why Prostate Disorder Cases Are Increasing Among Nigerian Men – Experts

June 1, 2025
20m Nigerians Live With Mental Health Issues, Says WHO

20m Nigerians Live With Mental Health Issues, Says WHO

June 1, 2025
Health Facts You Didn’t Know

How Your Habit Affects Fertility

May 19, 2025
Fruits For Raining Season

Fruits For Raining Season

May 19, 2025
See Mental Illness Like Other Treatable Diseases – Says Suicide Survivor

Health Facts You Didn’t Know

May 19, 2025
Alligator Pepper: Benefits, FAQ, Side Effects, & Warning

Alligator Pepper: Benefits, FAQ, Side Effects, & Warning

April 28, 2025
Water And Health: The Relationship That Helps Life

Water And Health: The Relationship That Helps Life

April 28, 2025

© 2021 Shippingposition

Navigate Site

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Terms

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Coast To Coast
  • Oil and Gas
  • Maritime Education
  • The Terminals
  • Maritime safety

© 2021 Shippingposition