By ABUJAH RACHEAL

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has reaffirmed that all vaccines provided at government health facilities across the country, are available free of charge.

The agency urged citizens to visit the nearest health centre for vaccination and accurate information about vaccine-preventable diseases.

Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director, NPHCDA, made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

Aina said that the government was committed to ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines for all Nigerians.

?Vaccines are available free of charge at government hospitals.

?We encourage all Nigerians to visit the nearest health facility to get more information about diseases and the vaccines available to protect themselves and their loved ones,? Aina said.

He said that vaccines remained the most effective tools in preventing infectious diseases, reducing childhood mortality, and promoting community health.

According to him, the Federal Government, in collaboration with development partners, has invested significantly in ensuring uninterrupted vaccine supply across the country.

Aina said that the agency had continued to expand routine immunisation outreach, particularly in hard-to-reach communities, and was currently scaling up awareness campaigns to counter misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.

He urged community leaders, caregivers, and parents to take immunisation schedules seriously and ensure that children receive all recommended doses to build lifelong immunity against diseases like measles, polio, hepatitis B, and yellow fever.

The NPHCDA boss also said that adult vaccines, including COVID-19 boosters, were still being administered at designated centres.

?Protecting our health is a collective responsibility. Let us all make informed decisions and take advantage of these free services provided by the government,? he said.

He called on media partners, civil society organisations and healthcare workers to amplify accurate information and support the national goal of building a healthier, immunised nation. (NAN)