Otamere Gladness 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is urging parents and caregivers to promptly report any unusual reactions observed in children after vaccination, reinforcing that immunisation remains a cornerstone of child survival.
In a public awareness message released Monday on its official X handle, the agency stresses that childhood vaccination continues to save millions of lives globally by preventing deadly but avoidable diseases.
NPHCDA officials call on families to remain vigilant for Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI), a term used to describe any unexpected medical condition that occurs after a vaccine is administered, whether or not it is directly linked to the vaccine.
“AEFI can range from mild fever and pain at the injection site to, in rare cases, more serious reactions,” the agency explains. NPHCDA Urges Parents to Report Vaccine Reactions to Protect Children.
Health authorities say early reporting is critical, allowing medical experts to quickly assess symptoms, investigate possible links to vaccines and take corrective measures where necessary. This rapid-response system, they note, is central to maintaining vaccine safety standards nationwide.
By reporting AEFI, parents play an active role in safeguarding not only their own children but the wider community, the agency says.
“Transparency and community participation strengthen confidence in immunisation programmes,” the NPHCDA notes, adding that public trust is essential for sustaining high vaccination coverage.
The agency reiterates that the benefits of immunisation far outweigh the risks, urging parents to contact their nearest health facility or use official reporting channels if any concerns arise.
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Juliet Jacob 
Korede Abdullah 
