The Lagos State Government has announced that its investigation into the tragic deaths of twin infants subsequent to their vaccination at a primary healthcare facility has found no causal link between the administered vaccines and the fatalities.
Ibrahim Mustafa, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), conveyed this information in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday. He indicated that preliminary findings commissioned by the government suggest that the vaccines received by the infants were not the cause of their deaths.
"We have conducted toxicology and post-mortem analyses, and so far, there is no evidence linking the outcome to the vaccines," Mustafa stated.
He further elaborated that the twins were among several infants who received doses from the same vaccine batch, and none of the other children experienced adverse reactions. Mustafa acknowledged that adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) can occur, but he emphasized that these are typically minor and transient, such as fever or irritability, which usually resolve quickly with simple management.
Serious complications, particularly those leading to death, are exceedingly rare, he stressed. The permanent secretary highlighted the importance of transparency in fostering public trust in vaccination programmes, especially in environments susceptible to misinformation that could discourage vaccine uptake.
Mustafa also pointed out the rigorous regulatory framework governing vaccines in Nigeria. He noted that all vaccines undergo extensive testing and must be approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) before they can be used.
"There is no vaccine administered in this country that has not been certified safe and effective," he asserted, adding that any unsafe or substandard products would be identified and prevented from use.
He reiterated that both federal and state governments collaborate to ensure that only approved vaccines are distributed and administered across the nation. Mustafa also mentioned that routine immunisation services in Lagos are provided free of charge, aligning with broader initiatives to ensure equitable access to healthcare and protect children from preventable diseases.
The permanent secretary urged parents and guardians not to be discouraged by isolated incidents, reaffirming that vaccines are among the most effective public health interventions available.
"The vaccines we use are safe, effective and essential for protecting children," he concluded.
The NAN report noted that this clarification comes as the government intensifies efforts to boost vaccine confidence and address immunisation coverage gaps in the state, particularly within vulnerable communities.
The situation gained public attention after the infants' father, Samuel Alozie, shared videos on social media depicting his children in body bags, alleging their deaths occurred shortly after vaccination.
Alozie claimed he took the twins for routine immunisation at a Lagos Primary Healthcare Centre on December 24, 2025, and that the children subsequently showed signs of weakness. He also stated that a nurse at the facility advised administering paracetamol if they developed a fever, which was done along with bathing them in cold water, but their condition did not improve.
He reported that both twins passed away on the morning of December 25, asserting they were in good health prior to the immunisation.
The incident prompted public concern and led the Lagos State Government to order a postmortem examination of the nine-month-old identical twins.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!