National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) on Thursday assured Nigerians that the country did not receive any doses from the batch of AstraZeneca vaccines that is reportedly causing blood clots in some countries.
The clarification came on the heels of reports that Denmark, Iceland and Norway suspended the use of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine after people who got the jabs reported “severe cases of blood clots”.
Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of the NPHCD, in a statement he personally signed, noted that the specific batch in question is ABV5300.
He assured that Nigeria did not receive any doses from the said batch of vaccines and there are no similar adverse reactions from the batch the Government received.
According to him, all side effects reported by Nigerians who had been administered the vaccine had been mild.
The statement reads:
“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.
“Vaccinations in Nigeria started earlier this month and we have not observed any similar adverse reactions. All side effects reported by those who have been administered the vaccine have been mild.
“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.
“In the meantime, we encourage Nigerians who are among those being prioritized in the current phase to continue their confidence and enthusiasm for our vitally important national vaccine programme. Together, we can save lives.”
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