Only Ministry of Health can import COVID-19 vaccines – FDA reiterates after fake vaccines seized in South Africa | Health

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) reiterated that COVID-19 vaccines can only be imported into the country by the Department of Health.

In an alert released today, the FDA cautioned the public against online advertising, selling and purchasing COVID-19 vaccines online.

“This alert has become necessary following reports of the seizure of fake COVID-19 vaccines in South Africa. The FDA would like to warn the general public that the online advertising, offering for sale and supply of drugs, including COVID-19 vaccines are strictly prohibited, ”the FDA said in a statement signed by its general manager , Mrs. Delese AA Darko.

“Therefore, the public should not purchase COVID-19 vaccines online. Utilities and couriers, including shippers and freight forwarders, are further cautioned that any unauthorized import of vaccines will violate Section 118 of the Public Health Act and the FDA Guidelines for Authorizing Emergency Use of Medical Products (FDA / GEN / GL-EUA / 2021/04). Covid-19 vaccines should be specifically imported only by and by the Ministry of Health “.

“The Authority would like to assure the general public that, with the collaboration of security and related agencies, it will continue its oversight and remains committed to protecting public health and safety in accordance with the 2012 Public Health Act, Act 851. The public is therefore advised to report to the FDA any suspicious activity (s) relating to the advertising and offering for sale and supply of COVID 19 vaccines and / or products. associates. All reports / complaints should be treated confidentially To help prevent the spread of the virus, we all encourage you to continue to follow COVID-19 protocols ”.

Vaccines approved for COVID-19 in Ghana

The alert also reiterated that the only Covid-19 vaccines authorized in Ghana are the SPUTNIK V and COVISHIELD vaccines.

The importation and deployment of these two vaccines in the country is under the sole control of the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service.

SA bust

The alert follows reports of the seizure of fake COVID-19 vaccines in South Africa.

South African authorities have seized hundreds of fake COVID-19 vaccines following a global alert issued by INTERPOL. Alert vaccines would be a prime target for criminal networks.

Some 400 ampoules – equivalent to around 2,400 doses – containing the fake vaccine were found in a warehouse in Germiston, Gauteng, where officers also recovered a large quantity of fake 3M masks and arrested three Chinese nationals and a Zambian national.

The arrests came just weeks after INTERPOL issued an orange notice warning law enforcement to prepare for organized crime networks targeting COVID-19 vaccines, both physically and online.

The alert also included details and images of genuine vaccines and authorized shipping methods provided by pharmaceutical companies to aid in the identification of fake vials.

In a separate statement, INTERPOL warned that no approved vaccine is currently available for sale online.

“Any vaccine advertised on websites or on the dark web will not be legitimate, untested and may be dangerous. Anyone who buys these drugs is putting themselves in danger and giving their money to organized criminals,” the statement said. .