The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has assured the public of the safety of the Covid-19 vaccines currently being used to vaccinate Ghanaians.

In a press release issued by the group on December 1, the Society expressed worry over the hesitation by some Ghanaians to vaccinate, citing conspiracy theories and myths surrounding the vaccines as reasons for the refusal to vaccinate.

According to the PSGH, Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective for use.

“The PSGH assures the public that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in reducing severe disease, hospitalization, and death. While no vaccine is 100% protective, the above benefits are compelling for pharmacists to advocate for its use.  

We wish to reiterate that COVID-19 vaccines go through rigorous, multi-stage testing processes, including studies that involve tens of thousands of people, and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Ghana Health Service (GHS) have strong measures in place to help ensure the safety of all COVID-19 vaccines,” part of the statement reads.

The statement further noted that the widespread acceptance of Covid-19 vaccines is imperative for the achievement of sufficient immunization against the coronavirus.

The group, therefore, urged the public to seek advice and education from pharmacists if they need any clarification on the vaccines.

"The PSGH admonishes the public to take advantage of the unique accessibility of pharmacists in the communities and engage them about any clarifications they may need about the pandemic and the vaccines.

Pharmacists are ever ready to inform, educate and engage their patients and clients to mollify their fears regarding safety and credibility of COVID-19 vaccines, arising out of many myths, misconceptions, and unfounded conspiracy theories," the statement noted.

The group called on the government and policymakers to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are not only available but accessible and administered in a convenient and orderly manner.

Meanwhile, Ghana has detected the new Omicron Covid-19 variant in the country.

The Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Patrick Kuma Aboagye disclosed this at the launch of December as Covid-19 month.

The virus was detected in persons traveling from Nigeria and South Africa into the country.

According to Professor William Ampofo, Lead Virologist at Noguchi Memorial Institute, contact tracing is underway.