The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has launched a weeklong social media campaign to sensitise the public on the importance of reporting suspected side effects of vaccines to the authority following vaccination.

The campaign comes at a time when millions of people are being vaccinated against Covid-19.

The social media campaign begins from 1-7 November 2021.

Regulators from 65 countries are encouraging healthcare professionals, national immunization programme staff, as well as patients, their caregivers and families, to report any side effects of vaccines, including Covid-19 jabs.

The weeklong campaign according to the FDA will provide accurate and up to date information to the general public and healthcare professionals on how to report side effects and other safety issues to the FDA.

The FDA said vaccines are the best way to protect individuals against infectious diseases and have already saved millions of lives.

“Like all medicines, vaccines could have side effects. Reporting suspected side effects helps to identify new adverse reactions and gain more information about known side effects,” the FDA said in a statement.

The statement noted that “healthcare professionals administering vaccines are especially encouraged to discuss potential side effects with patients and encourage them to report any side effects to help the FDA monitor the safe use of vaccines to protect public health through effective regulation.”

The FDA said all concerns should be reported by calling 0551112224/5.