Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi disclosed this
in a statement while giving update on COVID-19 vaccination in the state.
According to Abayomi, so far, following the administration
of the first dose of the vaccine to 257,756 persons, just a few of the persons
vaccinated experienced what is termed adverse events following immunisation
(AEFI) or adverse event of special interest (AESI) characterised by pain at the
injection site, fever or body pains lasting 24 to 48 hours and anaphylactic
shock.
“We are being extremely diligent for blood coagulation
disorders in view of the prevailing international scientific attention to the
possibility of increased risk of developing blood clotting disorders and two
cases are being investigated.
“It is important in the interest of scientific knowledge to
be able to attribute any blood clotting problems directly to the administration
of the vaccine.
“The Lagos State Government has robust surveillance systems
to effectively monitor and track untoward events and I would like to urge
anyone who experiences any adverse events to call the number of the LGA Disease
Surveillance Notification written in front of the vaccination card so that such
cases can be thoroughly investigated and monitored,” he said.
Abayomi said the government had learnt several lessons
during this vaccination drive, and that the challenges encountered would be
addressed before the commencement of the administration of the second doses
vaccination drive.
One of the challenges, he said, included the need to perfect
the digital platform that would ensure scheduling of clients to prevent
overcrowding at the facilities, which led to opportunists taking advantage of
chaos that might ensue.
Another challenge, he added, was continuous active risk
communication to manage the expectation of the residents, educate them as to
the need to properly monitor adverse events and report them through the
official channels.
“We sincerely apologize to citizens that may have
experienced any inconveniences during the first doses administration exercises
and we pledge to try to manage the mammoth logistics more effectively moving
forward.
“It is important to reiterate that residents, including
vaccinated persons, must continue to adhere to the measures proposed to curb
the spread of the virus, i.e. wearing of face masks in public, social
distancing, avoidance of crowded areas, frequent washing of hands and practice
of good respiratory hygiene.
“Lagos State is fully aware of the evolution and global
circulation of COVID-19 virus mutant and variant strains that appear to be
acquiring the ability to cause multiple waves characterized by more serious
clinical outcomes in countries like India, Brazil and certain parts of Europe,”
he stated.
He said Lagos State. the consistent epicenter of Nigeria,
had come out of the second wave successfully, but noted that the government is
not relaxing on its oars and is preparing assiduously for all eventualities.
Mr. Governor is committed to achieve herd immunity for its population through
the vaccination exercise.
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