The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on Friday, has raised the alarm over the importation of fake COVID-19 vaccine into Nigeria.
NAFDAC Director General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, said this while addressing a virtual press conference on Friday, where she revealed that she has received reports of the importation of fake COVID-19 vaccine into the country.
The agency warned against unauthorized orders, adding that it has not received or approved any COVID-19 vaccine from manufacturers for use in the Nigeria.
“There are reports of fake vaccines in Nigeria. NAFDAC is begging the public to beware. No COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by NAFDAC.“
She warned that fake COVID-19 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.
“NAFDAC has not gotten any application from COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers yet, therefore, no vaccines have been approved by NAFDAC,” Adeyeye said.
She warned that since the vaccines are new, the side effects must be well monitored by the agency.
“These 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 (them),” Adeyeye warned.
