The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 says about 122,410 persons have been vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccines in the country.
Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, said this while speaking at the National PTF briefing on Monday in Abuja.
Shuaib said only Kogi, Kebbi, Zamfara and Oyo states were yet to officially commence vaccination.
He, however, said Oyo state was set to commence any moment as there were indications that the state could start vaccination on Monday.
On reservations against AstraZeneca vaccines, Shuaib said a study in the U.S had showed that no cases of blood clot and that the vaccine is safe and efficacious.
“Recently, there have been concerns raised on the safety and efficacy of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.
”The European Medicines Agency has declared the Oxford organic COVID-19 vaccine as safe and efficacious after an investigation that was conducted in two cases of adverse events of blood clotting alleged to have been linked to the batch of the vaccine in some European countries,” he said.
Shuaib said that the long awaited U.S trial of the vaccine confirmed that it was both safe and highly effective.
He added that it was probably the most effective in stopping symptomatic COVID-19.
Shuaib said that it was about 100 percent effective at preventing serious illness, adding that the study also showed no issue regarding blood clots.
On the reported cases of bribe-for-vaccine at Falomo, Lagos State, Shuaib said, “We expect full accountability of vaccines given in states and the reported cases of fraud in Falomo, Lagos State, was being investigated.
“We will ensure that anybody that is indicted in the case is dealt with in accordance with the law.
“On this issue, the PTF is closely monitoring vaccine accountability across the country in order to ensure that similar activities of vaccine management and other sharp practices are prevented.
”We have also established a collaborative partnership with regulatory and anti-corruption agencies to further strengthen vaccine accountability.”
(NAN)
