Only the Ministry of Health can import COVID-19 vaccines: FDA reiterates seizure of fake vaccines in South Africa | Health

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

The FDA in an alert issued today warned the public against online advertising, selling, and buying COVID-19 vaccines online.

“This alert has become necessary as a result of reports of the seizure of fake COVID-19 vaccines in South Africa. The FDA wishes to warn the general public that 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 CEO, Ms. Delese AA Darko.

“Therefore, the public should not purchase any COVID-19 vaccines online. The public and couriers, including shippers and freight forwarders, are cautioned that any unauthorized importation of vaccines is in contravention of Section 118 of the Health Act. and the FDA Guidelines Authorization of Emergency Use of Medical Products (FDA / GEN / GL-EUA / 2021/04). Covid-19 vaccines must be expressly imported only by and through the Ministry of Health. “

“The Authority wishes to assure the general public that with the collaboration of security and related agencies, it will continue its monitoring and maintains its commitment to protect public health and safety as required by the Public Health Law of 2012, Law 851. Therefore, the public is advised to report any suspicious activity related to advertising and offering for the sale and supply of COVID 19 vaccines and / or related products to the FDA. All reports / complaints will be treated confidentially. To help prevent the spread of the virus, we encourage everyone to continue following the COVID-19 protocols. “

Vaccines Approved for COVID-19 in Ghana

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

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

SA bust

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

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

Some 400 vials, equivalent to about 2,400 doses, containing the fake vaccine were found in a warehouse in Germiston, Gauteng, where officers also recovered a large number of fake 3M masks and arrested three Chinese citizens and one Zambian citizen.

The arrests came just weeks after INTERPOL issued an Orange Notice warning law enforcement agencies to brace 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 cautioned that there are currently no approved vaccines available for sale online.

“Any vaccine that is advertised on websites or on the dark web will not be legitimate, will not have been tested and may be dangerous. Anyone who buys these drugs is putting themselves at risk and giving their money to organized criminals,” says the release.