x

1m doses of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine expired in Nigeria in November – Report

Up to one million COVID-19 vaccines are estimated to have expired in Nigeria in November, a report by Reuter’s says.

According to the report, two sources with direct knowledge of vaccine delivery and use, said the expired doses were made by AstraZeneca and supplied via COVAX from Europe.

A third source with knowledge of the delivery was said to have also mentioned that some of the doses arrived within four-to-six weeks of expiry and could not be used in time, despite efforts by health authorities.

“A count of the expired doses is still underway and an official number is yet to be finalised, the sources were quoted as saying, with one adding that “Nigeria is doing everything it can. But it’s struggling with short shelf life vaccines. Now (supply is) unpredictable and they’re sending too much”.

A spokesperson for the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) told Reuters that the number of vaccines received and used is still being tallied and that it would share its findings in the coming days.

In a statement responding to Reuter’s questions, WHO said doses had expired, but declined to give a figure. It said 800,000 additional doses that had been at risk of expiry in October were all used in time.

“Vaccine wastage is to be expected in any immunization programme, and in the context of COVID-19 deployment is a global phenomenon,” WHO said, adding that vaccines delivered with “very short” shelf life were a problem.

On August 16, Nigeria took delivery of 699,760 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine donated by the UK — the second delivery of the vaccine brand after the first batch was exhausted.

The UK donated 592,880 additional doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Nigeria on August 27.

According to the NPHCDA, 7,244,620 of eligible persons, representing just 6.5 percent have taken the first dose of the vaccine, while 3,811,693 persons representing only 3.4 percent, have been fully vaccinated.

In its bid to get more people vaccinated, the federal government introduced mass COVID-19 vaccination of eligible Nigerians in offices, churches, and universities.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalistAs...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

WOMAN empowers over 70 Women in Yenagoa

From Rhoda Nnachi, YenagoaIn commemoration of the International Women's...

Nigeria At Crossroads: Underpinnings Of Good Governance, Encumbered By Leadership Quagmire

PATRICK WEMAMBUJohn Maxwell, celebrated American Author and Speaker could...

House Public Accounts Committee Recovers ₦28.7 Billion for the Federation in One Week

Secures Additional ₦199.3 Million from Zenith Bank, GTB Through...

Eha-Amufu indigenes in Enugu debunk allegation of recent mass killings, arson

… I’m alive, rape victim denies protesters' claim she's...

FG Moves to fast-track SDGs Implementation at all levels

By Bobby OshokeAs Nigeria continues regional consultations on...

Plateau group commends Arch Bankat for his outstanding achievements at JMDB

By Israal Adamu, JosPlateau Youths for Good Governance Agenda...

*NTAC DG, Buba Yakub Celebrates Amb.Tuggar On His Birthday.

*Lauds His Selfless Commitment To Service To Nigeria And...

SDP Youth Group Rejects el-Rufai’s Defection, Alleges Attempt To Hijack Party

*Say's he started pushing for SDP leadership change less...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img