The Nigerian government on Sunday made clarifications on rumours making the rounds that the Covid-19 vaccine expected to arrive the country in late January has microchip embedded in it.
The rumours have gained much traction among Nigerians, especially in religious circles as experts worry it may negatively impact the mass vaccination programme aimed at curbing the virus transmission in the country.
But the National Orientation Agency (NOA) urged Nigerians to ignore the rumours, noting that the vaccine to be procured does not contain a microchip.
NOA said this in a series of tweets aimed at enlightening Nigerians on the progress made on the issue of vaccination.
The agency said the ministry of health would certify the vaccine safe before being administered to Nigerians.
“No! COVID-19 vaccine does not contain any harmful substance or microchip. All vaccines including COVID-19 vaccines are manufactured under strict compliance with WHO guidelines.
“Also, before the vaccine is administered in Nigeria, NAFDAC will test and certify it is safe for human use”, NOA said.
On whether the vaccine could be infected with COVID-19, NOA said, “The vaccine will be subjected to laboratory examinations to ensure it is safe before being administered to humans.
“No! The vaccine cannot infect you with COVID-19. It is meant to protect you from COVID-19 infection. Once your vaccination doses are complete, you become protected.
“There is no scientific evidence that COVID-19 vaccine will change or affect human genetic information (DNA).
“No! COVID-19 vaccine does not alter your DNA. It triggers an immune response that will protect your body against the virus if encountered. Once you and your community members are protected, the chances of the spread of the disease are reduced”.
