The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration Control, NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye says the public should be wary of fake vaccines in circulation as the agency has not approved any COVID-19 vaccines for use in Nigeria yet.
She was speaking while addressing journalists in a virtual press conference.
Prof. Adeyeye also placed an embargo on government establishment, agencies, private companies and corporation from ordering COVID vaccines without approval from the agency, stating that manufacturers of genuine vaccines ought to submit application to NAFDAC.
“No government establishment or agencies should order COVID vaccines without confirming from NAFDAC if the vaccine has been approved,” Prof. Adeyeye warned.
NAFDAC DG also disclosed that the agency is in discussion with manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines concerning potential Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), registration or licensing of their products as the case may be.
She assured Nigerians applicants that if Phase 3 clinical data are very convincing and robust with regards to safety and efficacy, and the vaccine has been submitted for WHO for Emergency Use Listing, NAFDAC will welcome the application for Emergency Use Authorisation in Nigeria.
“There are reports of fake vaccines in Nigeria. NAFDAC is pleading with the public to beware. No COVID vaccines have been approved by NAFDAC. Fake vaccines can cause COVID-like illnesses or other serious diseases that could kill. Vaccines should not be ordered by any company or corporation. The companies that manufacture the vaccines if they are genuine companies know they have to submit their application to NAFDAC,” the DG said.
She said the Agency has established COVID-19 Vaccine Committee that is developing the guidelines and guidance.
“The Agency will also use its recently launched Med Safety App for Active Pharmacovigilance of the vaccines in collaboration with the sister agencies. The App is free, and millions of healthcare workers can download it free for ADR reporting. In-country training on the use of the App has begun for the healthcare givers.
Tracking and Tracing of the Vaccines: NAFDAC plans to also use the Traceability with GS1 technology to monitor the vaccine distribution using Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). The goal is to prevent fake vaccines from infiltrating the supply chain and to ensure there is no diversion. This effort will create a reliable and predictable supply chain,” the DG added.
Prof Adeyeye however alerted Nigerians of circulation of fake vaccines in the country and warned against it.
