NATIONAL: Covid-19 vaccine will not alter your DNA — FG assures citizens

THE Federal Government has assured Nigerians that the expected Covid-19 vaccine is incapable of altering the human genetic information (DNA).

The government, which created this awareness through the National Orientation Agency, made the move in swift reaction to the claim in the public space that one of the side effects of the vaccine is the alteration of DNA.

Debunking the claim, NOA said the arrival of Covid-19 vaccines in Nigeria will help in the fight against the virus which has killed over 13,000 Nigerians.

It added that the Nigerian package would be subjected to close laboratory examinations to ascertain its safety before being administered to humans.

“Covid-19 vaccine does not alter your DNA. It triggers an immune response that will protect your body against the virus if encountered,” the agency said on its official Twitter handle.

“Once you and your community members are protected, the chances of the spread of the disease are reduced.”

In other posts, the Agency said, “There is no scientific evidence that Covid-19 vaccine will change or affect human genetic information (DNA).

“The vaccine will be subjected to laboratory examinations to ensure it is safe before being administered on humans.

“The vaccine cannot infect you with Covid-19. It is meant to protect you from Covid-19. Once your vaccination doses are completed, you become protected.”