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  • ‘Some vaccines have short shelf life’ — FG clarifies expiration of 1m AstraZeneca doses

    ‘Some vaccines have short shelf life’ — FG clarifies expiration of 1m AstraZeneca doses

    The federal government has reacted to a report stating that one million doses of COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria expired in November.

    According to the report, the expired doses were AstraZeneca COVID vaccine supplied via COVAX from Europe.

    In a statement on Wednesday, Osagie Ehanire, minister of health, said Nigeria has enjoyed donations of vaccines by other countries but had communicated a problem of shelf life which leaves just a few months for vaccines to be used.

    The minister, however, said Nigeria had used over 10 million doses of short-life vaccines, adding that expired ones had been destroyed as the country does not utilise vaccines past their expiry date.

    “Nigeria has, of late enjoyed the generosity of several, mainly European countries, who have offered us doses of Covid-19 vaccines out of their stockpiles, free of charge, through COVAX or AVAT facility,” the statement reads.

    “These donations are always acknowledged and thankfully received: however, some of them had residual shelf lives of only few months that left us very short time, some just weeks, to use them, after deduction of time to transport, clear, distribute and deliver to users. If such vaccines arrive back-to-back or are many, logistic bottlenecks occasionally arise.

    “We appreciate the kind gesture of donors, but also communicated the challenge of short shelf lives, whereupon some manufacturers offered to extend the vaccine shelf life after the fact, by 3 months, a practice that, though accepted by experts, is declined by the Federal Ministry of Health, because it is not accommodated in our standards. Nigeria does not dispense vaccines with a validity extended beyond labelled expiry date. We continue to adhere to our rigorous standards.

    “Donation of surplus Covid-19 vaccines with expiring shelf lives to Developing Countries has been a matter of international discussion.

    ”Developing countries like Nigeria accept them because they close our critical vaccine supply gaps and, being free, save us scarce foreign exchange procurement cost. This dilemma is not typical to Nigeria, but a situation in which many Low- and medium-income countries find themselves.

    “Donors also recognize a need to give away unused vaccines, before they expire in their own stock, but they need to begin the process early enough and create a well-oiled pathway for prompt shipment and distribution through the COVAX and AVAT facilities, to reduce risk of expiration. With better coordination, vaccines need not expire in the stock of Donors or Recipients.

    “Nigeria has utilized most of the over 10m short-shelf-life doses of Covid-19 vaccines so far supplied to us, in good time, and saved N16.4B or more than $40m in foreign exchange. The vaccines that expired had been withdrawn before then, and will be destroyed accordingly, by NAFDAC.”

    The statement said the ministry shares its experience with partners regularly and now “politely declines all vaccine donations with short shelf life or those that cannot be delivered in time”.

    “The long term measure to prevent such incident is for Nigeria to produce its own vaccines, so that vaccines produced have at least 12 months to expiration. This is why the Federal Ministry of Health is collaborating with stakeholders to fast-track establishment of indigenous vaccine manufacturing capacity. This is a goal we are pursuing with dedication,” it said.

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

    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.

  • Omicron: Federal Government Okays COVID-19 Booster dose for eligible persons

    Omicron: Federal Government Okays COVID-19 Booster dose for eligible persons

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    As the new Omicron COVID-19 variant surfaces in Nigeria, the Federal Government through the Presidential Steering Committee in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency has approved the administration of booster doses for persons that have completed 2 doses of AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer Bio-N-Tech or 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson.

    Executive Director of National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib has said the eligibility criteria for taking the booster dose is as follows persons 18 years and above
    Time interval of 6 months or more after receiving the second dose of AstraZeneca, Moderna or Pfizer Bio-N-Tech.
    Time interval of 2 months or more after receiving the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

    In a statement signed Mohammad Ohitoto, Head, Public Relations Unit, made available to newsmen eligible Nigerians are advised to visit the nearest health facility or mass vaccination site for their booster doses as from the 10th of December, 2021 across all states of the country.

    According to Dr. Faisal Shuaib, a COVID-19 booster dose gives greater protection against the virus and urged all Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    Daybreak reports that thehe list of the vaccination sites is available on the NPHCDA website: www.nphcda.gov.ng

  • Governor Lalong Takes Second Covid-19 Jab

    Governor Lalong Takes Second Covid-19 Jab

    Governor Simon Bako Lalong has received the second jab of the COVID-19 Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine with a call to citizens of the State to make themselves available for the exercise. 

    Governor Simon Lalong who received the vaccine at the Government House Rayfield alongside his wife Regina and other Government officials said the fears earlier expressed by some citizens on the safety of the vaccines have not been proved as so far, no adverse effect has been recorded among those who took the first dose. 

    After receiving the vaccine administered by his personal physician Dr. Benjamin Dashat, called on all those who took the first instalment to make themselves available for the second phase in order to complete the cycle. 

    For those who are yet to take the vaccine, the Governor advised them to jettison conspiracy theories as the vaccines have been scrutinised by regulatory authorities and adjudged to be safe. 

    The Governor used the opportunity to appreciate health workers who have done their best to respond to the pandemic with many of them paying the supreme prize. 

  • AstraZeneca Makes $275 Million In Sales From COVID-19 Vaccine

    AstraZeneca Makes $275 Million In Sales From COVID-19 Vaccine

    British pharmaceuticals giant AstraZeneca reported on Friday $275 million (227 million euros) in sales from its Covid vaccine in the first three months of the year.

    It is the first time that the company discloses figures from sales of one of the world’s leading vaccines.

    AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 jab was developed with the University of Oxford and has been key in Britain’s rapid vaccination drive. The company is selling it at cost price.

    However, public confidence in the jab has taken a blow over worries of links to very rare blood clots, and the company is in a legal fight with the EU over delivery shortfalls.

    The company made the disclosure in an earnings statement showing that net profit doubled in the first quarter to $1.56 billion, compared with $780 million a year earlier.

    Revenue jumped 15 percent — or 11 percent at constant exchange rates — to $7.32 billion in the reporting period.

    Excluding the contribution from the Covid jab, revenues rose by 11 percent — or 7.0 percent at constant rates — to $7.045 billion.

    AstraZeneca added Thursday that its quarterly performance was boosted by strong sales of new cancer drugs.

    The firm cautioned however that the Covid pandemic had a “negative impact” on both the diagnosis and treatment of other conditions aside from Covid.

    “We delivered solid progress in the first quarter of 2021 and continued to advance our portfolio of life-changing medicines,” said chief executive Pascal Soriot in the earnings release.

    “New medicines contributed over half of revenue and all regions delivered encouraging growth,” Soriot said.

    “This performance ensured another quarter of strong revenue and earnings progression, continued profitability, and cash-flow generation, despite the pandemic’s ongoing negative impact on the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions.”

    The results come at the end of a turbulent week after the European Union launched legal action against AstraZeneca over Covid-19 vaccine delivery shortfalls that hampered efforts to kickstart inoculations across the bloc.

    The EU is suing AstraZeneca on the basis of breaches of an advanced purchase agreement, but the firm has dismissed the legal action “without merit” and stated that it will strongly defend itself in court.

    AstraZeneca said it is due to have delivered about 50 million doses to Europe by the end of April, but that is far lower than the amount Brussels insists should have come.

    The commission says overall the firm is set to deliver only a third of the 300 million doses it had promised by June.

    The EU-AstraZeneca court hearing has been set for May 26, a Belgian court said Wednesday.

    AFP

  • 17,000 so far receive first jab of AstraZeneca in Enugu – Official

    17,000 so far receive first jab of AstraZeneca in Enugu – Official

    No fewer than 17,000 residents of Enugu have so far received their first jab of AstraZeneca in the ongoing vaccination in the state.

    Dr George Ugwu,  the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ENS-PHCDA), made this known on Thursday.

    Reports had it that the state government on March 8, received 65,400 doses of the vaccine from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Abuja, and vaccination began across the state on March 19.

    Ugwu explained that the 17,000 given first jabs of the vaccination represented those vaccinated as at 6p.m. on April 14.

    He said the state has not reached half of the total dose received from the NPHCDA, Abuja and the vaccination was ongoing in each of the designated centres.

    ”The delay in administering the vaccines was because five councils started late as well as the long Easter holiday break.

    “We are yet to get to half of the 65,400 doses given to the state from the NPHCDA, Abuja.

    “The exercise is still very much on for those in the priority lists – health workers and the elderly – to receive their first jabs as well as other members of the public very eager to receive as well.

    “Once we exhaust half of the dose sent to us; we will stop giving the first jabs.

    “We will have a pause of vaccination for about eight weeks before giving the second jabs to all those that had received their first jabs to complete their dose.

    “This is what we have agreed with the NPHCDA, Abuja and our partners.

    “So, those who got their first jabs will receive the second jabs in less than three months for continued efficacy of the vaccines in their system,” he said.

    The executive secretary noted that prior to the Easter break and after it the number of those receiving their first jabs had grown in the council areas.

    “With the daily exponential rise in the number of people coming for their first jabs; within a few days we will get to half of the total dose we have and the exercise will be paused.

    “However, we are still expecting more doses from the NPHCDA, Abuja to ensure that the entire residents of the state are vaccinated and protected,” he said.

    He noted  “the vaccine is safe and efficacious”, adding that there has not been any reported adverse side effects.

    The executive secretary lauded Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for supporting the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

    “Apart from financial and moral assistance to the agency, Gov. Ugwuanyi volunteered himself, to be publicly vaccinated as a critical leader providing direction to residents of the state on the need to receive theirs.

    “This has made the residents believe in the efficacy and safety of the vaccine; while responding appropriately to receive their first jabs,’’ he added.

    NAN reports that 102 well-trained vaccination teams were deployed to five Primary Health Care centres and two fixed health post centres in each of the 17 local government areas of the state.

  • AstraZeneca: Vaccination suffers setback as more countries halt exercise

    AstraZeneca: Vaccination suffers setback as more countries halt exercise

    A dozen countries, including France, Italy and Germany, have suspended AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 shots because of fears over blood clots and other possible side effects.

    Ahead of Tuesday’s World Health Organization experts meeting, the company has insisted there is no risk and the WHO has said countries should continue to use the vaccine.

    Here is a recap:

    – Nordic countries sound alarm –
    Denmark is the first country on March 11 to say it will suspend use of the AstraZeneca vaccine as a precautionary measure over fears of blood clots in vaccinated people.

    Iceland and Norway follow the same day, temporarily suspending use.

    On Monday, a health worker in Norway dies of a brain haemorrhage after receiving the vaccine, though no direct link to the jab has been established, health authorities say.

    It is the second such fatality within a few days in the country.

    – List grows –
    On Friday, Bulgaria suspends the use of the vaccine as it investigates the death of a woman with several underlying conditions who recently received the jab.

    An initial probe had suggested the woman died from heart failure and an autopsy found no link with the vaccination.

    Thailand abruptly delays the start of its rollout of the vaccine, stopping Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha from getting the first jab.

    And the Democratic Republic of Congo, also due to start administering the vaccine, postpones its campaign citing “precautionary measures”.

    Ireland and the Netherlands join the list Sunday, followed by Indonesia and then Germany, Italy, France, Slovenia, Spain and Latvia on Monday.

    Announcing its decision, the German health ministry says a closer look is necessary after the reported blood clotting incidents in Europe.

    Late Monday, Venezuela’s vice-president also said the country would not approve the vaccine for use, citing “complications” those inoculated had experienced.

    – Suspending batches –
    The first suspension of a batch of the AstraZeneca vaccine is announced by Austria on March 8, following the death of a 49-year-old nurse from “severe bleeding disorders” days after receiving it.

    Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Luxembourg also suspend the use of doses from the same batch, which has been delivered to 17 countries and included one million vaccines.

    Italy’s medicines regulator on March 11 also bans the use of a batch as a precaution, triggering a similar decision from Romania.

    And on March 14, Italy’s northern Piedmont region suspends use of the vaccine after the death of a teacher who had received it the day before, with a national postponement coming a day later.

  • Nigeria Ready for 4m doses of AstraZeneca  COVID-19 Vaccine

    Nigeria Ready for 4m doses of AstraZeneca  COVID-19 Vaccine

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
    Finally Nigeria is ready to receive about 4 million doses of  the popular AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday.
    In a joint press statement made available to Daybreak today the  NPHCDA, WHO and UNICEF announced arrival of  the  first consignment of  3.92 million doses  of AstraZeneca vaccines into the country on Tuesday.
     The delivery of the AstraZeneca vaccine is part of an overall 16 million doses planned to be delivered to Nigeria in batches over the next months by the COVAX Facility, as part of an unprecedented global effort to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.
    According to the statement,  Nigeria is scheduled to take delivery of the first consignment of  3.92 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday, 2 March, 2021 making Nigeria the next West African country to benefit from the COVAX Facility after Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire.
    On arrival of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA,  said it would  commence the vaccination of Nigerians in priority groups, starting with the frontline healthcare workers.
    Executive Director of the NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib said , “We are fully prepared to receive and deliver the vaccine to eligible Nigerians as we have commenced the training of health workers and ensured that cold chain facilities are ready at all levels.”
    “We  have a robust cold chain system that can store all types of COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with the required temperature.” “We  are therefore confident that we will have a very effective roll-out of the vaccine, starting with our critical healthcare workers, who are in the frontline in providing the care we all need.”
    UNICEF Nigeria  Peter Country Representative, Peter Hawkins said, “The COVAX Facility, has worked exceptionally hard to ensure that Nigeria gets the vaccine as soon as possible so it can start its vaccination programme to the largest population in Africa.”
    Vaccines are a critical tool in the battle against COVID-19. In the meantime, Nigerians must continue to take steps to contain the virus, as the vaccination programme will take at least a year before it is fully effective,” said Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria.
    The Federal Government said  it plans to vaccinate at least 70% of eligible Nigerians aged 18 years and above in four phases within two years.
    Shuaib noted that the arrival of the vaccine is through the  jojnt  efforts  of the Federal Government,  the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and the  Minister of Health.
    Daybreak reports that the COVAX Facility is co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), with UNICEF as a key implementing partner.