COVID-19: Nigeria vaccinates more than 122,000 people
COVID-19: Nigeria vaccinates more than 122,000 people using the Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine that was a product of the COVAX facility.
Nigeria earlier in March received 3.94 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX scheme.
About 122,410 Nigerians have gotten shots of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), said yesterday.
While talking at the weekly briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 Mr. Shuaib said Nigeria There have been no records of serious negative reactions throughout the administration of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.
“So far, 122,410 people have received the Oxford Astrazeneca vaccine in Nigeria,” he stated.
“No Nigerian so far has shown any known major side effect, while we have noticed that there might be some mild symptoms such as pain and swelling at the site of the vaccination, mild fever and body pains.”
He further explained that anyone can take the vaccine and have other illnesses that are not related to the vaccination procedure.
Mr. Faisal also made it clear that the agency will continue to work with the NAFDAC ‘pharmacovigilance team’ to keep track of the administration of the vaccine and document any major side effects.
He stated that this is to show that the government is honest and transparent in its decision regarding the vaccine to protect the citizens against the virus that has killed over 2,000 people in the country.
Nigeria received 3.94 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in early March through the COVAX scheme, headed by the World Health Organisation, and had proceeded with vaccination starting with healthcare workers and others who make available essential services.
The telecom giant, MTN also gave 300,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines on Sunday the 21st of March, according to Boss Mustapha, the Chairman of PTF on COVID-19.
There has been controversy over the safety of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.
Distribution to States
Furthermore, Mr. Shuaib said the COVID-19 vaccination has started taking place in 33 states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Full commencement of the COVID-19 vaccination of qualified population has started in over 33 states including the FCT while four states such as Kogi, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Oyo have not commenced with the vaccination yet.”
He however stated that Kebbi State had plans to flag off the vaccination campaign as of yesterday.
He also said there have been reports of vaccine misuse at some sites for vaccination including the Police Clinic, Falomo, located in Lagos State.
“We are currently carrying out investigation and yesterday the Lagos State Government was meant to provide a report.
Appropriate action will be taken against anyone found guilty of abusing the process of vaccination.
Mr. Shuaib also explained that all Nigerian states except Kogi have gotten doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.
The reason Kogi State was not given its portion of the vaccines is that they lack proper storage facilities.
“Kogi State was not given the vaccines because their cold store is still under maintenance as a result of vandalization that happened during the EndSARS protest,” he said.