Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib
Covid-19 vaccines do not cause infertility – NPHCDA clears air
Amid rumours that the Covid-19 vaccines causes infertility in men or women, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, (NPHCDA) has stated there is no scientific evidence backing such claims.
Executive Director, NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, in a statement issued on Thursday, in Abuja reiterated that the COVID-19 vaccination among populations of reproductive age was safe.
”All available COVID-19 vaccines have demonstrated high efficacy among their respective clinical trial endpoints.
”Additionally, a growing body of evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people are less likely to have symptomatic infection or transmit SARS-CoV-2 to others,” he said.
He called on obstetrician-gynecologists and other women’s health care practitioners to lead by example by being vaccinated and encouraging eligible patients to be vaccinated as well.
“We recommend that pregnant individuals and lactating individuals be vaccinated against COVID-19.
“While a conversation with a clinician may be helpful, it is not a requirement prior to vaccination; as this may cause unnecessary barriers to access.
“Pregnancy testing is not a requirement to receiving any of the approved COVID-19 vaccines by the World Health Organization (WHO),” he explained.
The NPHCDA boss urged obstetrician-gynecologists to address ongoing questions and concerns; and offer subsequent office visits by pregnant and lactating individuals across the country.
“Expected side effects should be explained as part of counseling patients; including that these are a normal part of the body’s reaction to the vaccine; and developing antibodies to protect against COVID-19 illness,” he said.
Shuaib explained that COVID-19 vaccines may be administered simultaneously with other vaccines, including within 14 days of receipt of another vaccine.
“This includes vaccines routinely administered during pregnancy, such as influenza and Tdap,” he noted.
The NPHCDA, however, said that it was important to note that COVID-19 vaccine development; as well as regulatory approval was a rapidly changing process; and information and recommendations would evolve; as more data were collected about these vaccines; and their use in specific populations across the globe.
”Let me assure all Nigerians, that all vaccines certified by NAFDAC are highly effective against COVID-19 virus, including the Delta variant.
”And also, to reiterate the fact that the Federal Government does not approve mixing of different brands of COVID-19 vaccine.
”The same vaccine must be taken for both first and second doses,” he said.
