Dr Yinka Adekunle, a Virologist, says the COVID-19 vaccine, just like any other vaccine, works by teaching the immune system how to defend itself against attack from the virus.
Adekunle said on Saturday in Abuja that the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine was safe and effective, adding that it gives the best protection against coronavirus.
According to her, the vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm.
She said that it is given as two doses, with the second dose due 12 weeks after having the first dose.
She assured Nigerians that the vaccines approved for use in the country have met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set out by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
“Any coronavirus vaccine that is approved must go through all the clinical trials and safety checks all other licensed medicines go through. The MHRA follows international standards of safety.
“Other vaccines are being developed. They will only be available in the country once they have been thoroughly tested to make sure they are safe and effective.
“So far, millions of people have taken the COVID-19 vaccine and reports of serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, have been very rare. No long-term complications have been reported,” she explained.
She said that any perceived complications cannot outweigh the number of people that have taken it.
She urged Nigerians to beware of disinformation and to use reliable data to take informed decisions.
The expert said that the first dose of the COVID-19 would give a good protection from the virus, noting that the need to have the two doses of the vaccine would give a longer lasting protection.
“There is a chance we might still get or spread coronavirus even if we have the vaccine. This means it is important that we continue to follow the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), social distancing guidelines.
“We should always wear something that covers our nose and mouth in places where it is hard to stay away from other people,” she advised.
Adekunle said that the COVID-19 vaccine side effects were mild and should not last longer than a week.
She listed some of the side effects as sore arm; where the needle went in, feeling tired, a headache, feeling achy and feeling or being sick.
“We can take painkillers, such as paracetamol, if you need to.
“If you have a high temperature you may have coronavirus or another infection. Speak with your Heath physicians. Tell the nurse or doctor that intends to vaccinate you if you are allergic to anything.
“You should not have the COVID-19 vaccine if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction,” she said.
A single shot of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is highly protective, reducing the chance of someone getting ill and needing hospital treatment by more than 80 per cent.
Scientists say the results are “very strong”, and apply to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine too.
Oxford-AstraZeneca is made from a weakened version of a common cold virus, known as an adenovirus, from chimpanzees.
It has been modified to look more like coronavirus – although it can not cause illness.
Once injected, it teaches the body’s immune system how to fight the real virus, should it need to.
