The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday said fake Covid-19 vaccines have been shipped to Nigeria and are already in circulation.
The agency also stated that it has not approved any vaccine for use in the country, warning against taking rogue vaccines bought on the black market.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this to journalists during a virtual media briefing, Friday.
“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.” She said.
Adeyeye urged government establishments, agencies and big corporations not to order Covid vaccines without seeking NAFDAC’s approval on the vaccine.
She added that taking fake vaccine jabs could lead to “Covid-19-like illnesses and other diseases” that can cause death.
The NAFDAC DG said: “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.
“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,” Adeyeye said.
