Nigerian government has been advised to use the tool of persuasion and conviction rather than force to vaccinate its populace.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba gave the advice while briefing journalists on the need for workers to take the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday in Abuja.
Recall that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha during a meeting of the Health Commissioners Forum with Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Health partners said once COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone, vaccination will be made compulsory for civil servants.
States like Edo, Ondo and Kaduna had also joined the Federal Government on compulsory vaccination of civil servants.
Comrade Ayuba explained that the importance of COVID-19 vaccination can not be under estimated considering the
accelerated efforts by scientists at understanding the epidemiology of the virus.
He said “Science has raised the bar a little higher with the breakthrough discovery of vaccine for COVID-19 which has helped reduce death rate and hospital admissions.
“A study conducted by the United States Centre for Disease Control at the end of May 2021 shows that there was about 63% drop in hospital visitations after the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“There was also a 63% drop in hospital admissions post vaccination and 66% drop in mortality for those aged 18 – 49 after the vaccination”.
He also explained that it is not out of place for people to be cautious about the COVID-19 vaccination but they should also consider that the vaccines gives better chance in fighting the pandemic.
Comrade Wabba called of the federal government and employers of labour to make vaccines available to workers and urged the Nigerian workers to take advantage of the vaccine to keep themselves and families safe.
“I understand some people prefer to view COVID-19 vaccination with caution. Yes, it is important to proceed on issues of public health with great caution.
“Yet, it would be foolhardy to elevate caution above scientific evidence and facts from public health records.
“The truth is that despite being imperfect, the COVID-19 Vaccine has given all of us a better chance of fighting the virus and staying alive.
“I urge workers all over the world to take advantage of the COVID-19 vaccines and keep themselves, their families and their colleagues at work safe and free from the morbid threats of the corona pandemic.
“We urge government and other employers of labour to make special arrangement for workers to access the vaccine at the workplace.
“We urge that the tool of persuasion and conviction be used rather than force to get workers and the general populace to take the vaccine”. He added.
