The Lagos State Government has said that investigations into the death of twin infants shortly after vaccination have found no link between the vaccines administered and the fatalities.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.
He said preliminary findings, including toxicology and post-mortem examinations, showed no evidence that the vaccines were responsible for the deaths.
“We have conducted toxicology and post-mortem analyses, and so far, there is no evidence linking the outcome to the vaccines,” he stated.
According to him, the children were among several infants who received doses from the same vaccine batch, with no other similar cases reported.
Mustafa explained that while adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) can occur, they are usually mild and short-lived.
“These can include fever, irritability, or mild discomfort after vaccination. In most cases, these symptoms resolve quickly with basic care such as tepid sponging or use of paracetamol,” he said.
He stressed that severe reactions leading to death are extremely rare and not typically associated with routine immunisation.
The permanent secretary also emphasised the importance of transparency in vaccine safety communication, warning that misinformation could undermine public confidence in immunisation programmes.
He noted that all vaccines used in Nigeria are subjected to strict regulatory approval by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) before deployment.
“There is no vaccine administered in this country that has not been certified safe and effective,” he said.
Mustafa added that both federal and state authorities work together to ensure only approved vaccines are distributed and administered nationwide.
He further reiterated that routine immunisation services in Lagos remain free, as part of efforts to expand access and protect children from preventable diseases.
“The vaccines we use are safe, effective and essential for protecting children,” he said.
The clarification comes amid renewed efforts by the state government to strengthen vaccine confidence and address immunisation gaps, particularly in underserved communities.
The case gained public attention after the father of the twins, Samuel Alozie, shared videos online alleging that the children fell ill shortly after receiving routine immunisation at a primary health centre.
He claimed the twins became weak after vaccination on December 24, 2025, and later died the following day despite receiving medical advice and basic care at home.
The incident prompted public concern and led the Lagos State Government to order a full post-mortem investigation into the deaths of the nine-month-old infants.
The agency said the findings were part of ongoing efforts to ensure accountability, maintain public trust, and strengthen immunisation safety systems in the state.
NAN
