By Zayamu Hassan
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), has explained that no brand of COVID-19 vaccine is superior to others provided they have been approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuiab who stated this at a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, however, warned against mixing two brands of the vaccine.
“While we are hopeful and well prepared to roll out the second Phase vaccination plan, we are by no means oblivious of the fact that there are challenges ahead, especially now that the country has started receiving different brands of COVID-19 vaccines.
He said: “We are aware that Nigerians would want to know if there is a preferred brand.
“Let me assure everyone that COVID-19 vaccines, regardless of brand, as long as they have been approved by NAFDAC, provide adequate protection against the disease.
“We want to further assure Nigerians that we have strategized with our partners so that there is no confusion on which vaccines will be given to whom.
“For example, all those who have taken their first dose of AstraZeneca vaccines and are due for their 2nd dose would be given their 2nd dose in this month of August as we are expecting up to 588,800 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from the COVAX facility.
“This is the first batch that will be coming in the next couple of days, thereafter we will be expecting up to 3.9million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines to complement what we already have and to make sure we cover not only those who will be taking their 2nd AstraZeneca vaccine but also for those who will want to take their 1st dose of this vaccine.”
He, however, insisted that both the AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines are very effective against the Delta variant as cases are beginning to increase in states like Lagos and Akwa Ibom.
While warning against mixing two brands of the vaccine, Dr. Shuaib said: “However, it is pertinent to state that mixing one brand of vaccine with another brand in first and second dose is not allowed.
“Those who have received AstraZeneca as first dose should receive AstraZeneca as second dose, while those who will receive Moderna as first dose will receive Moderna as second dose when due.
“In a few days, we will take delivery of additional AstraZeneca vaccine and those who are due for second dose of the vaccine will be prioritized.”
