The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday in Abuja, began the administration of COVID-19 vaccination for FCT residents.

At the Asokoro District Hospital Abuja, Minister of State, Ramatu Aliyu, assured that the vaccine was safe.

Aliyu confirmed that the FCT Primary Healthcare Board and partners, already completed a Cold Chain Preparedness Assessment and trained all members of the 65 vaccination teams.

She added that the FCT could safely store, deliver and administer the vaccines required to immunise all residents in this first phase of COVID-19 vaccination.

Aliyu said national guidelines for all stages of the vaccine roll-out will be duly followed to ensure equitable and fair implementation for the 227,480 doses received.

The roll out prioritizes front line health and non-health workers in all private and public COVID-19 isolation centres, treatment and laboratory centres.

Other health workers, strategic leaders, military and paramilitary, as well as FCTA and FCDA personnel will receive theirs over the next 10-day work period.

“We may consider an extension of time for catch-up for those who may miss their appointments”, Aliyu added.

FCT Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola urged residents to avail themselves of the opportunity to ensure that they were vaccinated.