By Taofeek LAWAL, Abuja

The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, his Commissioners, management and staff of the Commission were vaccinated with the Oxford Astra-Zeneca vaccine against Covid-19 at the Hajj House Abuja on Monday.

According to a statement made available to 9NewsNigeria by Head Public Affairs, NAHCON, Fatima Sanda Usara, the Commission had earlier sent letters advising State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and intending pilgrims to register and receive jabs of the vaccine under their respective state government allocations.

Usara said the move followed an advisory letter from National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) expressing fear that if intending pilgrims miss this first phase of vaccination, the time frame may be insufficient for them to receive the second dose before 2021 Hajj season and therefore recommended that intending pilgrims wishing to participate in the 2021 Hajj seize the opportunity of the on-going inoculation exercise to be vaccinated.

Some SPWBs have already commenced vaccination of their registered pilgrims in alliance with their respective state governments.

After receiving his jab of the vaccine, the NAHCON chairman expressed gratitude for taking the vaccine saying he feels fine. He encouraged whoever wishes to participate in the year’s Hajj to have hope and start preparing by first availing themselves for vaccination as exemplified by NAHCON.