The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has disclosed that it is yet to observe any adverse side effect from the vaccination of COVID-19.
The health agency said in a statement on social media that the observed side effects from the vaccine it had administered have only been mild.
Nigeria last Friday flagged off the vaccination programme against the dreaded COVID-19 virus.
But confidence in the vaccination campaign has hit a setback after some countries like Denmark, Norway, Iceland suspended the use of the vaccine over reports of blood clots amid other side effects.
Reacting to development of how countries have suspended the use of the AstraZeneca/Oxford, the NPHCDA said the vaccination campaign has been safe in Nigeria.
The statement read:
“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.
“We are satisfied that the clinical evidence indicates the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to be safe and effective.
“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.
