Nigeria plans 'whole family' approach for 2nd batch of vaccinations

Nigeria is set to receive a fresh batch of 176,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, in addition to the 4 million doses already received from Moderna and more expected from AstraZeneca and Pfizer. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency is gearing up to implement a 'whole family' approach in the distribution of the vaccines. Despite the successful rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine previously, challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and accessibility to vaccination sites have been highlighted. Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor, CEO of EpiAfric, shared insights on the upcoming vaccination strategy in a recent CNBC Africa interview. Dr. Nsofor commended the efforts of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency in engaging with states to deliver vaccines efficiently. However, he emphasized the need to adopt proactive measures, such as conducting outreach programs to reach individuals in various settings outside of traditional health facilities. The 'whole family' strategy aims to take vaccines to places where people congregate, like churches, malls, businesses, and schools, ensuring a more inclusive and accessible distribution process. Collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities, as well as international partners, will be crucial for the success of this approach. While logistical challenges are expected, the agency plans to train and mobilize additional healthcare personnel and allocate funds for transportation and vaccine maintenance. The ultimate goal is to achieve herd immunity by vaccinating as many people as possible. Dr. Nsofor highlighted the importance of ongoing awareness and sensitization campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Engaging with religious leaders and community influencers is seen as essential in building trust and increasing vaccine uptake. The discussion also touched upon the possibility of vaccine mandates in the future, as seen in other countries, to ensure widespread vaccination coverage. Dr. Nsofor stressed the importance of considering Nigeria's unique context and focusing on the health benefits of vaccination, including prevention of long COVID. While mandatory vaccination may become necessary, efforts to persuade and educate the population remain a priority. As Nigeria navigates the challenges of COVID-19 vaccination, a 'whole family' approach promises to enhance inclusivity and accessibility in the nationwide immunization drive.