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AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine administration will continue in Nigeria
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA has released a statement to explain Nigeria’s position amidst the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine issue.
According to the statement which was signed by Mohammed Ohitoto the agency is “aware of the precautionary concern that has been raised regarding one specific batch of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine”.
However, it wants to make it clear that the – ABV5300 – is not the same as is in Nigeria.
“It is important to clearly state that Nigeria did not receive any doses from the batch of vaccine which is at issue.”
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The NPHCDA to continue administration of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
The agency also said it is waiting for an ongoing investigation on the ABV5300 batch of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. If side effects have any links to the ABV5300 batch in any way, the results of the investigation will tell.
On March 2, 2021, 3.9 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, arrived in Nigeria. It is the first batch among many that are to come through the World Health Organisation, WHO COVAX
Subsequently, over seven counties in Europe have put the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on hold following reports of a side effect – a blood clot.
COVID-19 vaccination began in Nigeria earlier in March. The NPHCDA further stated that it has not observed any adverse reactions from people who have been vaccinated.
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“All side effects reported by those who have been administered the vaccine have been mild”, it said.
“We are satisfied that the clinical evidence indicates the AstraZeneca COVID-19 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.”
Therefore the NPHCDA will continue to administer the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as the statement says.
“The safety of the vaccine to Nigeria is paramount to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, PTF.”
AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is between 63% to 95% effective depending on the administration.
