Nigeria records 10,027 cases of side effects from COVID-19 vaccination

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), has said that Nigeria recorded a total of 10,027 cases of mild adverse events after Covid-19 vaccination.

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The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, disclosed this in Abuja at a joint press conference organised by the NPHCDA and the World Health Organisation to update Nigerians on the status of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

According to the NPHCDA boss, five states have the highest records of AEFI namely: Cross River (1,040), Kaduna (1,071), Lagos (796), Yobe (555), and Kebbi with 525 cases.

The NPHCDA boss said, “There have been cases of mild, moderate and severe AEFI since we officially rolled out COVID-19 vaccination on March 15, 2021. The AEFIs symptoms ranged from pain and swelling at site of vaccination to more serious symptoms such as headaches, abdominal pain, fever, dizziness and allergic reactions.

“A total of 10,027 cases of mild AEFI have been reported as of May 30th, while 86 cases of moderate to severe incidents have been reported. All these individuals have since fully recovered. Five States have the highest records of AEFI namely: Cross River (1,040), Kaduna (1,071), Lagos (796), Yobe (555), and Kebbi with 525 cases. “

On the number of Nigerians vaccinated, he said, “As of today, 1,956,598 of targeted eligible Nigerians have been vaccinated with their first dose of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine.

“Of this number, 66 percent are frontline workers, 22 percent are healthcare workers, while 12 percent belong to the elderly group.

“Furthermore, 73,465 Nigerians have also received their 2nd dose across 36 states and the FCT. This includes President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who both received their second doses on Saturday, May 29.”

Shuaib advised all Nigerians who have received their first dose to check their vaccination cards for the date of their second dose and proceed to the same health facility where they got their first vaccine, to ensure full protection against COVID-19.

He, however, said, “We acknowledge the possibility of some people relocating from the states where they took their first doses. For this reason, we have made provision for special vaccination sites that could accommodate administering their second doses.

“ It is also possible that due to certain circumstances, some of the sites used for the first dose vaccination may no longer be available; in this case, you are kindly advised to go for your second dose at the nearest vaccination post.”

Commenting on global vaccine supply, the NPHCDA boss disclosed that the COVAX facility has communicated to the agency that the upcoming allocation of vaccines is likely between July-September 2021.

“The exact dates are still being finalised. Nevertheless, bilateral conversations are ongoing to see how we can access the surplus vaccines being stockpiled by developed countries.

“On this, we are working closely with the Embassies and High Commissions in Nigeria. Our communication remains clear that the allocation of vaccines from friendly countries is most useful now, not later when vaccines become widely available.

“While we are pushing for equity, justice and fair play in the global allocation of vaccines, the Federal Ministry of Health is working with critical stakeholders to fast track the establishment of local vaccine production plants in Nigeria”, he said.

MTO/Punch