Health
UK starts mass COVID vaccination programme today
Britain on Tuesday recorded a turning point in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, as it began the biggest vaccination programme in the country’s history with a new COVID-19 jab.
The first patients in line on what has been dubbed “V-Day” — the over-80s, care home workers and at-risk frontline health and social care staff — will roll up their sleeves for an initial dose from early morning.
They will then require a second jab in 21 days’ time.
Last week Britain became the first country to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, raising hopes of a breakthrough in the pandemic, which has killed more than 1.5 million worldwide.
Britain has been one of the worst-affected countries in the world, with more than 61,000 deaths in the outbreak from 1.6 million cases.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who spent days in intensive care with Covid-19 earlier this year, called it a “huge step forward in the UK’s fight against coronavirus”.
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who has offered to have the jab on live television to allay public fears, said the roll-out was a “key moment” that would protect the most vulnerable.
The head of the state-run National Health Service in England, Simon Stevens, said it was a “decisive turning point” against the “greatest health challenge” since the NHS was founded in 1948.
Regulatory approval for the vaccine was given last Wednesday, sparking a race against time to prepare scores of vaccination centres across the country.
The UK has ordered 40 million doses of the jab — enough to vaccinate 20 million people — with 800,000 in the first batch.
Up to four million doses are expected by the end of December.
Queen could lead way
The mass vaccination drive is a coordinated response by all four nations of the UK — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — which normally set their own health policies.
The public has been largely favourable to the rapid approval of the vaccine, but ministers and health professionals are aware they still need to combat mistrust.
The independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency maintains that no corners were cut and its assessment and approval procedures met stringent international norms.
NHS England said thousands had already been given the jab during trials with no serious side effects.
Nevertheless, it has been reported Queen Elizabeth II, who at 94 is among those first in the line for the vaccination because of her age, could front a public awareness campaign urging compliance.
The government said it will hand out vaccine cards to remind people to get the booster after three weeks, but insisted it was not introducing immunity certificates.
The chief medical officers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said the vaccine will as a result only have a “marginal impact” on hospital numbers over the winter months.
Johnson called for patience and urged the public to stick to strict social distancing guidelines to prevent a spike in cases, particular as rules are relaxed over Christmas.
Health officials have already run into a logistical headache about how to administer the vaccine to elderly or infirm care home residents.
The vaccine needs to be stored at -70 degrees Celsius (-94 Fahrenheit), leaving hospitals and other medical hubs as the only places able to deal with such ultra-low temperatures.
With the Pfizer-BioNTech drug made in Belgium, concerns have also been raised about potential disruption to supply when Britain leaves the European Union’s single market and customs union.
But the UK government said the military is on stand-by to air-lift the vaccine if there is any border disruption from January 1.
The bulk of Britain’s vaccine requirements are expected to be met by a jab developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, which is awaiting regulatory approval.
The government has ordered an initial 100 million doses of the drug, which is cheaper to manufacture, and easier to store and transport using conventional fridges.
-AFP
Health
China Unveils Blink-Powered Device to Aid Paralysed Patients’ Mobility
China Unveils Blink-Powered Device to Aid Paralysed Patients’ Mobility
Chinese researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking blink-powered eye-tracking device designed to help paralysed patients regain control over wheelchairs and assistive devices. The innovation captures energy generated by blinking to operate devices, offering new independence for individuals with ALS, spinal injuries, and severe mobility impairments.
The device, named ET‑TENG, uses a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) to convert eyelid movements into electrical signals, allowing users to navigate wheelchairs or communicate with technology without external batteries. Unlike traditional camera-based eye-tracking systems, ET‑TENG functions even in total darkness, making it more reliable for daily use.
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Developed through collaboration between Qingdao University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, ET‑TENG demonstrated 99% accuracy in detecting eye movements as small as 2 degrees, ensuring precise control for patients. Experts say this technology could significantly improve quality of life and autonomy for people living with paralysis.
This innovation is part of a growing wave of assistive technologies and brain-computer interfaces (BCI) in China and globally, aimed at translating neuroscience breakthroughs into practical tools for patients with severe disabilities. Researchers hope ET‑TENG and similar devices will soon allow users to communicate, move independently, and interact with the world in ways that were previously impossible.
China Unveils Blink-Powered Device to Aid Paralysed Patients’ Mobility
Health
Father Blames Lagos Health Centre After Twin Infants Die Following Immunisation
Father Blames Lagos Health Centre After Twin Infants Die Following Immunisation
A grieving father has accused a Lagos health centre of negligence following the death of his nine-month-old twin boys, who reportedly died hours after receiving routine vaccination at a government-owned facility in the state.
The father, Samuel Alozie, said he took the twins to the Ajangbadi Primary Health Centre in Ojo Local Government Area for their scheduled immunisation. According to him, the babies were healthy and active before the visit but developed severe reactions shortly after the injections.
He alleged that the twins became unusually weak, stopped feeding properly and failed to respond to treatment given at home based on advice from health workers. Tragically, both children reportedly died within 24 hours of receiving the vaccines.
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The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage on social media, has raised fresh concerns about vaccine safety, medical negligence, and standards of care at public health facilities in Lagos State. In emotional online videos, the father questioned the drugs administered to his children and called for a transparent investigation, insisting that the deaths were preventable.
Reacting to public pressure, the Lagos State Government ordered a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Officials said the autopsy would establish whether the fatalities were linked to the vaccination, medical error, or other underlying health conditions.
Health authorities have urged the public to remain calm while investigations continue, noting that routine childhood immunisation remains safe and critical in preventing deadly diseases. However, rights groups and concerned parents are demanding accountability, insisting that any form of medical malpractice uncovered must be prosecuted.
The tragic deaths have reignited national debate on healthcare delivery in Nigeria, particularly in primary health centres, with many Nigerians calling for better training, monitoring and equipment to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Father Blames Lagos Health Centre After Twin Infants Die Following Immunisation
Health
NAFDAC Reassures Nigerians as Nestlé Recalls SMA Infant Formula in 50 Countries
NAFDAC Reassures Nigerians as Nestlé Recalls SMA Infant Formula in 50 Countries
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reassured Nigerians that Nestlé infant formula products approved for sale in Nigeria are safe, following public concern over a voluntary global recall of SMA Infant Formula in more than 50 countries.
In a statement issued by the NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency clarified that the recall by Nestlé UK was limited to specific batches overseas and does not affect products available in the Nigerian market.
According to NAFDAC, the recall was prompted by the potential presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea and vomiting, in some UK-manufactured batches. Cereulide is described as a heat-resistant toxin produced by certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus.
“The Agency wishes to reassure the public, healthcare professionals and relevant stakeholders, particularly parents, guardians and caregivers, that all Nestlé infant formulae currently approved for marketing in Nigeria are safe for consumption and are not part of the recall,” the statement said.
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NAFDAC explained that the SMA infant formula sold in Nigeria is manufactured at the Nestlé Tuas Factory in Singapore and is fully registered and approved by the agency. It further confirmed that both the SMA and NAN ranges produced for the Nigerian market are not among the affected batches involved in the voluntary recall abroad.
The agency noted that the public advisory was issued purely as a precautionary public health measure, in line with NAFDAC’s mandate to keep Nigerians informed of global food safety developments, even where the risk of local exposure is low.
However, NAFDAC warned that potential risks could still arise through unauthorised importation, online purchases, or personal carriage of recalled products during international travel.
The agency assured Nigerians that it remains vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety of food and pharmaceutical products in Nigeria, while continuing to monitor global developments related to infant nutrition and food safety.
NAFDAC Reassures Nigerians as Nestlé Recalls SMA Infant Formula in 50 Countries
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