COVID-19 Vaccines cannot protect you completely – Boss Mustapha

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has advised Nigerians to continue to observe the non-pharmaceutical  COVID-19 measures introduced in 2020, such as sanitizing frequently and using a face mask, he noted that the vaccine offers great hope but cannot protect one completely from the virus on its own.

Mr. Mustapha disclosed this after getting vaccinated in Abuja, he also urged the citizens not to allow conspiracy theories to prevent them from getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

He said: “​Let me underscore at this point that in this war, we are all involved in this because nobody is safe until everybody is safe. Our ultimate objective is to vaccinate about 70 percent of our population which is about 200 million, between year 2021 and 2022.

“​I wish to admonish Nigerians to remember that while vaccines offer great hope, it cannot on its own protect you completely. We must continue to observe the non-pharmaceutical measures earlier introduced. There is no doubt that their effectiveness will help to minimize the impact of the virus in Nigeria and our attitude must be NPIs + vaccines.

“The initial strategy, therefore, shall be sustained because we must continue to prevent, detect, isolate and treat. The war against COVID-19 is by no means over.

“Finally, let me restate that Nigerians should never allow vaccine hesitancy propagated through conspiracy theories sway you from the path of doing the right thing. Taking the vaccine will protect you, your loved ones, and the entire community.

“I similarly wish to warn against patronizing unauthorized vaccine peddlers. The only recognized safe and efficacious vaccines are those coming through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). We should remain vigilant.”