Get COVID-19 vaccination against Omicron variant, Expert advises Nigerians

Prof. Adedeji Onayale, Chairman, COVID-19 Response Committee of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife in Osun, has advised Nigerians to get COVID-19 vaccination against the Omicron variant.

Onayale gave the advice in an interview with our correspondent on Friday in Ile-Ife.

He said that it was too early to determine whether the Omicron variant was resistant to the available Coronavirus vaccines or not.

The committee chairman said that the Omicron variant was more dangerous and kills faster than Delta variant.

Onayale urged all and sundry to observe the COVID-19 protocol of social distancing, regular handwashing, use of face mask and avoid crowded places, among others.

He, also called on the governments to maintain the sensitisation programme on the pandemic to keep people abreast of the new variant.

Onayale, however, warned people against ‘get together parties’ during the Christmas and New Year periods, urging them to be more proactive in protecting themselves.

He urged Nigerians to cooperate with the Federal Government in ensuring total compliance with all the protocols and guidelines stipulated.

Onayale said that another lockdown would have adverse effect on the socioeconomic life of Nigerians and the nation at large.

“Before we take any decision, let’s be sure of the risk we’ll face.”

“The last time there was lockdown, airline workers and teachers, among others, could not earn any salary and the palliative didn’t circulate round.”

“Now, there’s sufficient information to ban travelling.”

“Let the airport officials be watchful and let those who are coming into the country take the COVID-19 test and if the airports do not have enough sequencing facilities, let them acquire them.”

“Other countries are sufficient enough to take good care of their citizenry, but Nigeria is poor and cannot provide for 25 per cent; so, let all hands be on deck, government alone cannot do it,” he said.