Vaccines Are Safe, Kwara Govt Assures Residents

Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA) has debunked misleading claims circulating across the state, particularly on social media, that vaccines administered to children are harmful.

The executive secretary of the Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, made this clarification yesterday during a breakfast show, ‘AM Drive’ on Kwara Television.

She described the allegations as false, dangerous, and capable of undermining public health efforts aimed at protecting children from preventable diseases.

According to her, all vaccines currently in use under the state’s immunisation programmes, including the ongoing polio vaccination campaign, are safe, effective, and approved by global and national health authorities, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

“These vaccines have undergone rigorous testing and continue to be monitored to ensure their safety. They are critical in protecting our children from life-threatening diseases such as poliomyelitis,” she stated.

Elelu emphasised that vaccines have been used for decades worldwide and have saved millions of lives, significantly reducing child mortality rates.

She urged parents and caregivers not to be misled by unverified information circulating on social media, stressing that refusing vaccination exposes children and communities to avoidable health risks.

“We appeal to all residents of Kwara State to disregard these false claims and continue to present their children for vaccination. Immunisation remains one of the most effective public health interventions,” she added.

She also reassured the public that trained health professionals are deployed across all 16 local government areas to ensure that vaccination exercises are carried out safely and in line with best practices.

Elelu encouraged members of the public to seek accurate information from verified sources and report any concerns to the nearest health facility.

She added that the agency remained committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of all residents, especially children, through quality and accessible primary healthcare services.