Nigerian governors, under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), have given their backing for the continued roll-out of the controversial AstraZeneca vaccine.
The group, after an emergency meeting on Wednesday, however, urged Nigerians to report adverse effects of the drug to relevant authorities.
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, who is the chairman of the body, made these known in a statement.
“The Forum’s COVID-19 Technical Advisory Group (CTAG) led by Professor Oyewale Tomori briefed members on the status of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out across the States including the increasing concerns of the public on the safety of AstraZeneca vaccines,” he said.
“CTAG recommended that Nigeria should continue to vaccinate all eligible persons with the AstraZeneca vaccine in line with the latest WHO recommendations as available evidence, including findings from research in which some CTAG members are involved showing that the Astra Zeneca vaccine is safe.
“Governors reiterated their belief in the safety of the Astra Zeneca vaccines and commit to continuously encourage uptake of the vaccines by all eligible persons in their States, Governors also encourage the public to report any adverse events noticed following COVID-19 vaccination.”
Several countries around the world have halted the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine over reports of blood clots.
But the World Health Organisation and the United Kingdom urged nations to continue the use of the vaccine.
