NAHCON tasks pilgrims on early registration for COVID-19 vaccine

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged intending pilgrims for the 2021 Hajj to register and receive COVID-19 jab as soon as possible.

The Head of Public Affairs, NAHCON, Fatima Usara, in a statement, said this was to ensure that they complete the two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine on time.

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She said “The commission 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.”

“This move followed an advisory letter from 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.”

“It is therefore recommended that intending pilgrims participating in the 2021 Hajj to seize the opportunity of the on-going inoculation to be vaccinated.

Some State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards have already commenced vaccination of their registered pilgrims in alliance with their respective state governments.”