By Haruna Gimba
The Nigerian Medical Association says the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine procured by Nigeria is safe, advising people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
NMA Chairman in Kwara state, Professor Baba Issa, gave the advice while speaking with newsmen in Ilorin at the weekend, in response to question raised about the safety of Oxford, AstraZeneca vaccine.
According to reports, 10 European countries had suspended the vaccine’s use, following claims of blood clot associated with its usage.
“It depends on the vaccine that they are taking, but the one we have in Nigeria made by the AstraZeneca Company is known to be safe and efficacious. That is why Nigeria has keyed into it and taken delivery of some doses of this vaccine. So I will advise people to take it, it is safe and it is very effective,” Issa said.
The NMA Chairman pointed out that when many people get vaccinated and become immune to the disease, Nigerians will develop herd-immunity.
“Herd immunity is resistance to the spread of an infectious disease within a population that is based on pre-existing immunity of a high proportion of individuals as a result of previous infection or vaccination,” he said.
Issa also advised that those vaccinated against the disease must continue to observe all COVID-19 protocols, such as physical distancing, wearing of facemasks and washing of hands.
Also, former President of the Association of Public’s Health Physician of Nigeria (APHPN), Professor Tanimola Akande said the vaccine was safe while confirming that he had already been vaccinated.
He said he felt no pain after taking the vaccination, urging people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Also, Mr Mustapha Katibi, the state representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), attested to the safety of the vaccine, saying that it was safe and effective.
