Presidency Says COVID-19 Vaccine Has No Side Effect On Buhari

The Presidency has assured all Nigerians that the vaccine administered on President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has no side effect.

This was contained in a short statement put out to dispel the fears and misconceptions about the safety of the vaccine administered.

“The President felt normal and went about doing his job," Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President wrote in the statement.

“If there are side effects that follow, we will be open about that but so far there is nothing of a side effect, serious or mild on the President. He is carrying on as normal.” 

READ ALSO: Buhari Tasks Governors, Others To Lead In COVID-19 Vaccination Drive

Buhari spokesperson expressed optimism that a strong message will be sent among the people, especially those fighting the hesitancy about the efficacy and safety of the vaccine.

On Saturday, President Muhammadu Buhari received the AstraZeneca vaccine, a day after it was launched at the vaccination exercise in the country.

The president took the vaccine at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the country’s capital.

The vaccine was administered to Buhari by his chief personal physician, Dr Sanusi Raafindadi, in the presence of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and some members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Following the vaccination of President Buhari, Professor Osinbajo also received the vaccine, which was administered to him by his chief personal physician, Dr Nicjola Audifferen.  

Earlier, Allnews.ng had reported that according to Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), the use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is not recommended for persons who have reached 65 and older due to "the insufficiency of evidence of efficacy in this age group at this time."

The two-dose vaccine was approved for use in individuals aged 18 years and above (including seniors) but while signing off on it last week, Health Canada noted that "the results were too limited to allow a reliable estimate of vaccine efficacy in individuals 65 years of age and older."

President Buhari was born on December 17, 1942. he is 78 years. His vice Osinbajo is 63 years.