Contrary to trending videos on social media claiming that the Covid-19 vaccination site creates a magnetic field, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has publicly countered the claims with proofs.
Briefing newsmen in Abuja, Wednesday, the Executive Director, NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, expressed worry over the increasing misinformation about the Covid-19 vaccine.
“We are witnessing an increasing wave of COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation that should leave any patriotic Nigerian wondering how long mischief makers want the world to remain in the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic itself,” he said.
TheFact Nigeria gathered that people fall for these conspiracy theories because they are skeptical of the vaccine considering the speed with which they were developed.
Dr. Faisal described as unfortunate the manner with which right of the public to true and accurate information on matters of collective concern was being threatened by a few others who were taking advantage of the social media to mislead people about their health.
“The creativity with which some people misinform others and spread misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccination calls for more deliberate, decisive, and consistent steps to counter as well as provide correct and accurate information that will help more people to make informed decision to get vaccinated against COVID-19,” he said.
With a dramatised lecture, he exposed the tricks used by rumor mongers and demonstrated publicly that COVID-19 vaccine does not create magnetic effect around the vaccination site or any part of the body, neither does it cause the body to light up an electric bulb.
“It is also a well-known fact that persons with wet, moist, or sticky skin can have objects stuck to their skin especially in smooth areas.
“Strong friction also allows for objects to stick to the skin. COVID -19 vaccines do not contain any metal – this is another fact! So how can it generate magnetic field or light an electric bulb?” he asked.
Speaking further, he assured Nigerians of the Federal Government and Presidential Steering Committee’s comitment to providing safe and effective vaccination against COVID-19 in Nigeria citing that President Muhmmadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and other strategic leaders, have taken their first and second doses of the vaccine.
He disclosed that “2,495,632 people have been vaccinated with the first dose, while 1,370,130 have received their second dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria” and therefore encouraged everyone to seek correct, accurate information about COVID-19 from credible sources so as to make the right decision to get vaccinated against it.
UNICEF country representative, Peter Hawkins charged the media, religious leaders to come out and give the right information.
WHO country representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi reiterated that the vaccines used in Nigeria are the same as those being used in Europe and therefore advised that the rumors suggesting otherwise be discarded.
