COVID-19 vaccine: Nigeria records 8,439 side effects – NPHCDA

The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Faisal Shuaib, on Friday, disclosed that a total of 8,439 mild Adverse Events Following Immunisation have been reported across Nigeria since the country started COVID-19 vaccination on March 15, 2021.

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.

He said five states have the highest records of the AEFI namely: Kaduna (970) Cross River (859), Yobe (541), Kebbi (511), and Lagos (448).

The NPHCDA boss however said the country had not recorded any death or case of blood clots related to the administration of the vaccine.

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.” Punch