As the third phase of COVID-19 vaccination exercise begins in Lagos State, Civil Society Coalition Against COVID-19 being coordinated by Centre for 21st Century Issues (C21st), commends Lagos State Government for the unflagging determination to ensure mass vaccination of Lagos residents.

The coalition lauds Lagos State Government for engaging private health facilities in the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in the bid to consolidate mass vaccination. The coalition firmly believes involvement of the private sector in COVID-19 vaccination would enhance rapid and efficient administration of available vaccines.

During the first and second phases of vaccination, the coalition deployed field monitors for the exercise which led to concrete findings and recommendations forwarded to Lagos State Ministry of Health (LSMOH) and Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB).

In continuation of engagement of the vaccination exercise in Lagos State, the coalition will deploy field monitors across vaccination centres especially private facilities across the state during the ongoing third phase. Monitoring of the third phase of vaccination has become imperative to further ensure that vaccination exercise is carried in conformity with outlined guidelines under conducive facilities by health officials.

Read Also: PHOTOS: C21st organises training on monitoring of Lagos Phase 2 COVID-19 vaccination exercise

Consequently, the coalition will be deploying the outcome of the third phase monitoring exercise to engage Lagos State Government and relevant agencies including the Lagos State Ministry of Health (LSMOH) and Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) towards improving responses to health emergencies and future pandemic.

The coalition therefore calls on government to ensure that guidelines and standards of operation for private facilities are spelt out to ensure efficient and safe vaccination.

It is also important to deploy clear communication and appropriate information regarding fees to be paid by vaccine recipients in private facilities. The fees to be charged are for services rendered by the private facilities and not payment for vaccines.

The coalition is poised to monitor public and private vaccination centres to assist Lagos State Government achieve its target of herd immunity.

Finally, the coalition urges residents to make themselves available for vaccination and ensure protection against the fourth wave of COVID-19 amidst emerging cases from new variants.

More importantly, Lagos residents must adhere to non-pharmaceutical protocols such as wearing facemasks, hand washing, physical distancing and hygiene practices to guide against COVID-19 infections.