The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has said a total of 8,439 side effects has been recorded in Nigeria since the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine began in the country.
Faisal Shuaib, Executive Director of the NPHCDA, disclosed this at a joint press conference organised by the NPHCDA and the World Health Organisation on Friday to provide an update on the status of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Nigeria.
According to Shuaib, five states have the highest records of Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI)- Kaduna (970) Cross River (859), Yobe (541), Kebbi (511), and Lagos (448).
He, however, stated that no death or case of blood clots related to the administration of the vaccine has been reported in the country.
He said: “In Nigeria, since the vaccination programme was officially rolled out on April 15, 2021, a total of 8,439 mild Adverse Events Following Immunisation have been reported.
“These range from pain, swelling at the site of the inoculation, to body pains and nausea. Similarly, 52 cases of moderate to severe incidents of AEFI have been reported.
“These presented as fever, vomiting, diarrhea headaches, dizziness, and allergic reactions. Five states have the highest records of the AEFI namely: Kaduna (970) Cross River (859), Yobe (541), Kebbi (511), and Lagos (448).
“There has been no death from the administration of the vaccine. We have also not diagnosed any case of blood clots related to the administration of the vaccines.
“Nevertheless, we are working with NAFDAC, NCDC, and other relevant agencies to set up a more active surveillance system built on our experience with polio surveillance.”
Shuaib also at the press conference cleared Lagos State of allegations of vaccine mismanagement or racketeering.
The NPHCDA boss said a team set up to investigate the allegations levelled against Lagos State found out that the claims were inaccurate.
He said: “At this juncture, I would like to provide an update on the vaccine accountability issues that erupted in Falomo Clinic, Lagos State.
“There has been a rich engagement with the Governor of Lagos State and his health team led by the Commissioner for Health.
“A rapid fact-finding team was established to investigate the veracity of these reports not only in the said Falomo Clinic but in designated health facilities all over the state.
“The information reaching us is that these reports of widespread mismanagement of the vaccination process were inaccurate and do not represent what transpired in these locations.
“One thing that the PSC (Presidential Steering Committee) and the Lagos State Government are aligned behind, is zero tolerance to diversion of COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is free to all Nigerians irrespective of social standing.”
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