Forced monkeypox vaccination rumour baseless, says Bayelsa

Bayelsa state government has described rumours of forced vaccination against monkeypox in the state as baseless.

The government also called for the suspension of all forms of medical outreach programmes carried out in schools across the state.

Unverified reports had said the Nigeria army was forcefully vaccinating school pupils against the monkeypox disease through its medical outreach programme.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Bayelsa commissioner for information and orientation, said the news of forceful vaccination was untrue and advised parents and school authorities to ignore such rumor.

He said government would ensure the suspension was strictly adhered to, while keenly observing the situation and keeping things under control.

Ebitimitula Etebu, Bayelsa commissioner of health, affirmed Iworiso-Markson words, saying  “vaccination against monkeypox” was a baseless rumour.

“I want to say that there is no vaccination against monkeypox…the rumor is unhealthy and we condemn it,” he said.

“Proprietors of schools should not allow any stranger to come and administer such on their pupils.  Anyone dressed in army uniform, clinical or lab cloth injecting children should be reported”, he said.

The state government called on parents to return their children to school because “they (government) are on top of the situation”.