The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, his Commissioners, management and staff of the Commission today, 29thMarch 2021 were vaccinated with the Oxford Astra-Zeneca vaccine against Covid-19.
Hitherto, 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 National 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 wishing to participate in the 2021 Hajj to seize the opportunity of the on-going inoculation exercise to be vaccinated. Some SPWBs have already commenced vaccination of their registered pilgrims in alliance with their respective state governments.
After receiving his jab of the vaccine, Chairman Zikrullah expressed gratitude for witnessing the day stressing that he feels fine. He encouraged whoever wishes to participate in the year’s Hajj to have hope and start preparing by first availing themselves for vaccination as exemplified by NAHCON.
The vaccines were administered to the Chairman and others in the Hajj House, Headquarters of NAHCON. Vaccination is free and harmless as confirmed by experts.
Fatima Sanda Usara,
Head, Public Affairs,
NAHCON