The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has in a press release dispelled concern raised over possible side effect of a batch of the anti-COVID 19 Astra-Zeneca vaccine –ABV5300.
The Ministry issued a statement that the vaccines it had received in Sierra Leone is not part of the batch of the product suspected to produce harmful side effects.
“While investigation are being done to ascertain whether the batch in question is in any way associated to the observed side effects , clinical indications are that the Oxford –Astra Zeneca is safe and effective,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry said that their assessment is in congruence with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Advisory Committee on vaccine safety and guidance from countries like Canada, Nigeria, United Kingdom and Spain who have pointed out that they would continue to roll out vaccination, as it remains a vital tool in the prevention of COVID-19.
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation pledged that it will continue to observe all precautionary measures to protect the health of citizens, and also monitor developments regarding the ABV5300 batch and will update the public on any further development.
By George M.O.Williams
18/03/2021. ISSUE NO: 8023