TheCable

Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, says President Muhammadu Buhari did not suffer any side effect after receiving the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

Buhari and Osinbajo received doses of the vaccine at the presidential villa, Abuja, on Saturday.

In a bid to allay the fears of Nigerians, Shehu assured citizens of the safety of the vaccine, saying the president “felt normal and went about doing his job” after he was vaccinated.

He added that if there are side effects, the presidency will be open about it.

“In response to press enquiries, I like to assure all citizens, and to dispel fears and misconceptions about the safety of the vaccine administered on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN earlier this morning,” Shehu said in a statement.

“After he got his jab, the President felt normal and went about doing his job. If there are side effects that follow, we will be open about that but so far there is nothing of a side effect, serious or mild on the President. He is carrying on as normal.

“We hope this will help to send a strong message among the people, especially those grappling with hesitancy about the efficacy and safety of the vaccine.”

After receiving the jab, Buhari had described his decision to take the vaccine in public as “a demonstration of leadership and faith in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines”.

The president recommended the vaccine to all eligible Nigerians, saying it is an effective protection against the virus.

“I have received my first jab and I wish to commend it to all eligible Nigerians, to do same so that we can be protected from the virus,” he had said.