…getting COVID-19 vaccine is a personal choice
…vaccines save millions of lives each year
…At least 5.25bn doses of coronavirus vaccines have been administered
The People’ Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State was saddened to see some protesters in Benin City protest against the vaccination policy of the Edo State government. It is our belief that the protest was premised on a false notion and garnished with ignorance.
The world is in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic. It is the responsibility of Edo State government to track the pandemic, advise on critical interventions, distribute vital medical supplies to those in need and deploy safe and effective vaccines.
Vaccines save millions of lives each year. Vaccines work by training and preparing the body’s natural defences – the immune system – to recognize and fight off the viruses and bacteria they target. After vaccination, if the body is later exposed to those disease-causing germs, the body is immediately ready to destroy them, preventing illness.
Older people and those living with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes are more likely to experience severe — even fatal — cases of COVID-19 if they catch it. The more people who receive the coronavirus vaccines, the sooner vulnerable people can feel safe among others. Also, since every COVID-19 infection gives the coronavirus a chance to mutate, being vaccinated helps prevent variants.
COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
The development of the COVID-19 vaccines did not cut corners on testing for safety and efficacy. The vaccines were made using processes that have been developed and tested over many years, and which are designed to make — and thoroughly test — vaccines quickly in case of an infectious disease pandemic such as COVID-19. The vaccines themselves were extensively tested by independent scientists.
At least 5.25bn doses of coronavirus vaccines have been administered around the world, data from 233 locations show.
Edo State government is not forcing or implementing a compulsory vaccination policy, it is only advocating that those that don’t want to be vaccinated, and it is within their rights, should stay away from public gatherings. Edo people cannot afford to play Russian Roulette with COVID-19.
Edo PDP support the policy of vaccination as being advocated by the state government and we implore Edo people to come out In their numbers to get vaccinated!
Edo State government wants its citizens to be alive. They should not die needlessly from Covid 19 when simply taking the vaccine will reduce the chances of death.
Stay safe, Visit your nearest vaccination center to get vaccinated.
Signed
Dr Tony Aziegbemi
Chairman, PDP Edo State