The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday stated that it has not approved any COVID-19 vaccine.

It warned fake vaccines have started circulating in the country, urging the public not to purchase such drugs as they can cause COVID-19-like illnesses and can lead to death.

It also urged government establishments, agencies and big corporations not to order COVID vaccines without confirming from NAFDAC if the vaccine has been approved.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, made these known in Abuja during a virtual media briefing.

She said: “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has not received any application from Covid Vaccine manufacturers yet and therefore no vaccines have been approved by NAFDAC.

“Covid-19 vaccines are new, and the side effects or adverse events must be well monitored, therefore, if NAFDAC does not approve, the public should not use.

“There are reports of fake vaccines in Nigeria. NAFDAC is pleading with the public to beware.

“No Covid Vaccines have been approved by NAFDAC. Fake vaccines can cause Covid-like illnesses or other serious diseases that could kill.

“Vaccines should not be ordered by any company or corporation. The companies that manufacture the vaccines if they are genuine companies know they have to submit their application to NAFDAC.

“No government establishment or agencies should order Covid vaccines without confirming from NAFDAC if the vaccine has been approved.”