It appears that most Maiduguri residents are convinced: The vaccine to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is harmless and there is no reason to doubt it and every reason to get it.

Hospitals in the city – especially the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital – reported that many residents had come forward willingly to get inoculated.

Until recently, many people had expressed doubts about the vaccine because of misinformation and rumours that it was harmful. They also believed that the side effects were debilitating. Some thought the vaccine had been developed in too short a time and were worried that they would be part of an experiment. Others doubted the pandemic was even real.

The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital concluded a successful 10-day vaccination drive on Tuesday.

Ayuba Mohammed, a health worker at the hospital told RNI reporter Amina Abbagana that no one had asked him to get vaccinated but that he decided to do so anyway.

“At first I was scared and doubtful because of what people had said about the effects of the vaccine. But I was inoculated four days ago and have had no side effects. I am well and strong. I think the doubts were sowed by ignorant people. I can tell you that the vaccine is harmless,” he said.

He urged residents of Maiduguri not to listen to the false rumours, saying that the World Health Organisation had confirmed the efficacy of the vaccine and it was encouraging every person to take every precaution to prevent the spread of the virus.

“I feel healthier and safer now that I have been inoculated,” he said. “Residents should get to the hospital as soon as possible before the vaccine runs out.”

Ibrahim Muhammad, a nurse at the hospital, got vaccinated because he believed, as a health worker, he should lead by example. “I cannot ask people to go and get vaccinated if I did not do so myself,” he said.

The only side effect he had experienced was a slight fever but that it had not lasted long. “Many of my co-workers did not experience any side effects. Please, people, do not listen to the fearful rumours that claim the vaccine is harmful. The vaccine is safe and effective. Go and get it.”

Muhammad said that health workers were particularly susceptible to contracting the virus because they worked with people who had been infected.

“The vaccine has helped to settle my mind. Before taking the vaccine I was always worried that I was potentially exposing my family to the virus.”

Residents Halima Babagana Modu, Yachila Umar, Falmata Balumi and Bakaumi Tijjani told RNI that they would willingly get vaccinated “without any fear of harm”.

They said they wanted to be safe and not sorry.