Anthony Iwuoma
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday warned Nigerians to beware of fake COVID-19 vaccines already in circulation in Nigeria.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, in a virtual media briefing in Abuja, alerted public and private organisations on the dangers of buying Covid-19 vaccines without NAFDAC certification.
“The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has not received any application from Covid vaccine manufacturers yet and, therefore, no vaccines have been approved by NAFDAC,” Adeyeye said.
Speaking further, the NAFDAC DG added: “Covid-19 vaccines are new, and the side effects or adverse events must be well monitored, therefore, if NAFDAC does not approve, the public should not use.
“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.
“No government establishment or agencies should order Covid vaccines without confirming from NAFDAC if the vaccine has been approved.”