The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday raised alarm over importation of fake COVID-19 vaccine into Nigeria.
The agency added that it is yet to approve any COVID-19 vaccines for use in the country.
NAFDAC warned that fake COVID-19 vaccines can cause COVID-like illnesses or other serious diseases that could kill.
NAFDAC Director General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, said this while addressing a virtual press conference on Friday.
The agency, while emphasising that it has not received or approved any COVID-19 vaccine from manufacturers for use in the country, warned citizens against unauthorized orders.
“There are reports of fake vaccines in Nigeria. NAFDAC is begging the public to beware. No COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by NAFDAC.
“Vaccines should not be ordered by any company or corporation. The companies that manufacture the vaccines, if they are genuine companies know they have to submit their application to NAFDAC.
“NAFDAC has not gotten any application from COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers yet, therefore, no vaccines have been approved by NAFDAC,” Adeyeye said.
She warned that since the vaccines are new, the side effects must be well monitored by the agency.
“These vaccines are new, and the side effects or adverse events must be well monitored, therefore, if NAFDAC does not approve, the public should not use (them),” Adeyeye warned.