NAFDAC raises alarm on fake COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria

NAFDAC arrests suspect over fake injection water in Zamfara, NAFDAC seals six bakeries in Kaduna, NAFDAC seals 25 Kwara water factories, Insulin tea, NAFDAC approves COVID-19 vaccines
NAFDAC DG, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned the public to be cautious of using fake COVID-19 vaccines circulating in Nigeria.

The agency noted that the fake vaccines can cause COVID-19-like illnesses and other serious diseases that could kill.

Director general of the agency, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, who raised the alarm, also warned government establishments and agencies, as well as private companies and big corporation, against ordering the vaccines without its approval, noting that COVID-19 vaccines are new and the side effects or adverse events must be well monitored; hence should not be used by the public.

ALSO READ: COVID-19: AstraZeneca vaccine is safe, NMA says

Adeyeye, while briefing journalists on the safety of the vaccines via Zoom, said companies that manufacture the vaccines know they have to submit their application to NAFDAC if they are genuine, adding that the regulatory agency has not received any application from any manufacturers yet.

“There are reports of fake vaccines in Nigeria and these vaccines can cause COVID-like illnesses or other serious diseases that could kill. No government establishment or agencies, company or corporation should order COVID-19 vaccines without confirming from NAFDAC if the vaccines have been approved.

“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,” she insisted.