No electromagnetic ingredients in COVID-19 vaccines – NPHCDA

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA has said that COVID-19 vaccines do not contain electromagnetic ingredients that can cause side effects.

NPHCDA Executive Director, Dr Faisal Shuaib, disclosed the statement at a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja.

The briefing was in reaction to reports on social media that electronic devices recognised people that had received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

The unsubstantiated reports claimed that anyone who received the vaccine would become magnetic and have their DNA altered and die from blood clots.

He said the typical dose was not large enough to contain a magnet, and that a magnet that could fit in a needle would not be powerful enough to attract anything.

“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.

“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 decisions to get vaccinated against COVID-19,” said Shuaib.

He said it was unfortunate that the right of the public to true and accurate information on matters of collective concern was being threatened by a few others taking advantage of social media to mislead people about their health.