Lagos Probe Finds No Link Between Vaccines, Twins’ Deaths

 

 

The Lagos State Government says investigations into the death of twin infants after routine immunisation at a primary healthcare centre have found no connection between the vaccines administered and the fatalities.

Dr Ibrahim Mustafa, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Sunday, citing preliminary findings from the government’s inquiry.

According to him, toxicology and post-mortem analyses conducted so far show no evidence linking the deaths to the vaccines.

“We have carried out detailed investigations, and there is no indication that the vaccines caused the deaths,” he said.

Mustafa explained that the twins were among several children who received doses from the same vaccine batch, none of whom experienced similar outcomes.

He acknowledged that adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) can occur, but noted that such reactions are typically mild and short-lived, often presenting as fever, irritability or slight discomfort.

“In most cases, these symptoms resolve quickly with simple care, such as tepid sponging or paracetamol,” he added, stressing that severe complications leading to death are extremely rare.

He emphasised the importance of transparency in sustaining public trust in immunisation programmes, particularly in the face of misinformation that could affect vaccine uptake.

Mustafa also highlighted the strict regulatory processes governing vaccines in Nigeria, noting that all vaccines are subject to rigorous testing and approval by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control before use.

“There is no vaccine administered in this country that has not been certified safe and effective,” he said, adding that any unsafe product would be detected and withdrawn.

He further noted that federal and state authorities collaborate closely to ensure that only approved vaccines are distributed nationwide, while routine immunisation services in Lagos remain free to improve access and protect children from preventable diseases.

The permanent secretary urged parents and caregivers not to be discouraged by isolated incidents, reiterating that vaccines remain one of the most effective public health tools.

NAN reports that the case drew widespread attention after the twins’ father shared videos on social media alleging that the children died shortly after receiving vaccinations on Dec. 24, 2025.

The Lagos State Government subsequently ordered a post-mortem examination on the nine-month-old twins as part of efforts to establish the cause of death and address public concerns.