AstraZeneca fright: “We’re working closely with NAFDAC,” says NPHCDA

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has expressed assurance to Nigerians that the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine is safe.

Dr Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Secretary, NPHCDA, disclosed that the vaccine has been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration (NAFDAC).

Executive Secretary, NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib

The NPHCDA Executive Secretary declared that the low-cost nature of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine does not make it inferior.

Shuaib said, “We are working closely with NAFDAC to monitor any unusual adverse reaction to the vaccine.

“In addition to other measures that we have outlined for the vaccine roll out, NAFDAC has introduced a safety app for people to download and install on their phones.

“I want to assure Nigerians that the federal government through the PTF on COVID-19 is fully committed to a safe and successful COVID-19 vaccination in the country.

“No safety and efficacy standards have been compromised in the decision of government to introduce the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

“It is important to note that none of the approved brand of COVID-19 vaccines is inferior. Understandably, the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine relatively costs less than the other available brands of COVID-19 vaccines.

“However, this is not because it is inferior. It is because AstraZeneca, which partners with Oxford to produce the vaccine, decided and announced that they would not be making profit during this pandemic.

“As you well know, the AstraZeneca vaccine is being used in many parts of the world. Even after the rollout suspension by some European countries over certain concerns raised, the WHO and its vaccine advisory committee has advised that there is no reason to stop using the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.

“Similarly, the UK regulators have also determined that the evidence does not suggest that the vaccine causes blood clot.”

Top Naija reports the NPHCDA, in a statement on March 11 stated that it would keep on monitoring the developments in regards to the “ABV5300” batch.