The Federal Government on Thursday said Nigeria would continue to administer the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine despite its suspension by eight European countries over the fear of its possible deadly side effects.
Several European nations had suspended the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday due to the incident that reportedly caused about 30 incidents of harmful blood clots in patients who received the vaccine, including at least one case in Denmark where the patient died.
Reacting to the development, The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in a statement posted on Twitter said the specific batch in question, ABV5300, is not in circulation in the country.
“We are aware of precautionary concerns that have been raised regarding one specific batch of the AstraZeneca vaccine, namely ABV5300.
“We understand that investigations are being conducted to determine if the batch is in any way linked to an observed side effect. While we await the outcome of the investigations, it is important to clearly state that Nigeria did not receive any doses from the batch of vaccines which is at issue.
“We are satisfied that the clinical evidence indicates the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to be safe and effective.
“Our assessment is in line with countries such as Spain and the UK who have indicated that they will continue to administer the vaccine because it remains an important tool to protect against COVID-19.
“The safety of vaccines delivered to Nigeria is paramount to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. For this reason, it has enhanced multi-sectoral collaboration among stakeholders and technical entities such as the FMOH, NPHCDA, NAFDAC, WHO and UNICEF whose cooperation ensures the highest global standards are met for vaccines delivered to Nigeria before they are distributed to Nigerians. Clear, rigorous protocols are being followed to safeguard the health of Nigerians.
“We are continuing to monitor the developments regarding ABV5300 batch and will share further information as it becomes available.”
President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo were among the first recipients in Nigeria — and they have not reported any side effects since getting their jabs last weekend.
