- Lagos Health Authorities Probe Twin Deaths Post-Immunisation
- Abayomi confirmed that a coroner’s inquest has been initiated
- Dr Simeon Agwale emphasised that vaccines are subject to extremely rigorous safety standards
Safety concerns have emerged in Lagos following the deaths of twin boys shortly after receiving routine immunisations. The Lagos State Government is awaiting autopsy and toxicology reports to determine the exact cause of death, Eko Hot Blog reports.
Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, told journalist that investigations are ongoing and cautioned that it is too early to link the children’s deaths directly to the vaccine administered.
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Abayomi confirmed that a coroner’s inquest has been initiated, mandating a post-mortem examination, which has already been conducted. The state is currently awaiting the findings. In addition, the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has launched an investigation to determine whether any medical or procedural lapses occurred at Ajangbadi Primary Health Centre, where the immunisation took place. Other medical assessments are also being reviewed.
The investigations follow a public account by the children’s father, who shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he and his wife took their twin boys for immunisation on 24 December. According to him, the twins developed high fevers and weakness after the injections. He said a nurse advised giving paracetamol for worsening fever, which they did, along with cold-water baths to reduce the temperature.
Tragically, the children’s condition deteriorated, and they passed away in the early hours of 25 December. The family is reportedly seeking justice.
Responding to the situation, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Ibrahim Mustafa, reiterated that the cause of death has not yet been established. He confirmed that autopsy and toxicology tests have been ordered and that the state is awaiting the results to identify the actual cause.
Mustafa highlighted that Lagos operates one of the country’s most robust vaccine cold-chain systems and urged the public to remain vigilant in monitoring adverse events following immunisation. He added that vaccines approved in Lagos are generally safe, with side effects typically mild and short-lived, often indicating the body is building immunity. He advised reporting any severe reactions promptly to authorities. Mustafa also expressed condolences to the bereaved family and confirmed ongoing discussions with them at local and district government levels.
Providing expert insight, virologist and CEO of Innovative Biotech, Dr Simeon Agwale, emphasised that vaccines are subject to extremely rigorous safety standards because they are administered to healthy individuals on a large scale. He noted that vaccines undergo extensive laboratory testing, animal studies, and multi-phase human clinical trials before approval, with ongoing safety monitoring through pharmacovigilance systems even after introduction.
Dr Agwale explained that public health authorities investigating the Lagos case will need to consider key factors, including the type of vaccine administered, its source and storage conditions, the children’s health status prior to immunisation, and whether other children received the same batch without incident.
On concerns about storage and infrastructure, he highlighted that vaccine stability and cold-chain management are central to safety. Vaccines come with temperature-monitoring indicators, and any batch exposed to unsafe conditions is discarded. Agwale added that improving cold-chain systems and investing in local vaccine manufacturing would further enhance immunisation safety and public confidence in Nigeria.
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