A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY ON CLASSIFICATION OF ADVERSE EVENTS FOLLOWING IMMUNIZATION AMONG INFANTS ATTENDING MATERNALAND CHILD HEALTH HOSPITAL, BANGALORE

Abstract

Background: Vaccination is a vital component of the public health programs and among most cost effective medical intervention. Vaccines are usually safe and effective. However, like any other pharmaceutical products, adverse events may occur occasionally following vaccination.\nHence, the present study was conducted with objective to assess proportion of AEFI and classify them based on severity as minor, severe and\nserious and based on site as local and systemic reactions. Material and Methods:Aone year, prospective, vaccine safety study was undertaken in\nmaternal and child health hospital, Bangalore among mothers who delivered during the study period. A total of 110 infants were enrolled in the\nstudy and were followed for 1 year. Telephone survey of all mothers was conducted and all AEFI were recorded. Results: Out of 110 infants, 96\n(87.3%) of study subjects had one or more AEFI for primary immunization. Minor reactions like pain, swelling and redness were 42% which are\nlocal reactions and fever accounted for 54.3% of all reported AEFI which is systemic reaction. Conclusion:The adverse events reported were mild\nand non-serious. Majority of the infants had only minor reactions which completely resolved with or without treatment. All were solicited\nreactions. Hence the vaccines given under UIPwere safe among infants.