H1N1 vaccine safe - GHS

Sat. July 10, 2010

OFFICIALS of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) have vouched for the safety of the Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine currently being administered to the public, indicating that it is to provide beneficiaries with protection against the disease.
They have subsequently allayed fears concerning the safety of the vaccine, saying of the more than two million doses of the vaccine administered to individuals, almost all reports of adverse reactions have been mild, such as pain and stiffness, fever, headache, runny nose and an occasional lump in the armpit.
In a statement in Accra on Tuesday, the health officials indicated that although those adverse reactions, even after any drug administration, were not unusual, the health authorities would deal with the reports with all the seriousness they deserved.
The statement, signed by the Public Relations Officer of the GHS, Mrs Rebecca Ackwonu, therefore, advised any member of the public who felt unwell or had any complaint and felt it could be related to the HINI vaccination to report to the nearest hospital for appropriate management and documentation.
It pointed out that the vaccine for the HINI was pre-qualified after it had satisfied relevant procedures, including safety and efficacy trials by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
It said the two bodies were aware of the associated adverse reactions following vaccinations, almost all of which were minor, except an occasional severe event.
“That is why, as part of the vaccination exercise, post-exposure surveillance had been instituted with all people who received the vaccine,” it said.
According to the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the GHS, the pandemic influenza vaccine used in Ghana was Pandemrix, which was safe and complied with WHO recommendations.
One dose (0.5ml) administered into the left shoulder muscles (im deltoid) provides protection.
The vaccine is not administered to women in their first three months of pregnancy and people with known hypersensitivity reaction to any of the vaccine constituents.
Ghana received 2.3 million doses of the Pandemrix and the priority groups receiving the vaccine are healthcare professionals, pregnant women, some security personnel and certain individuals.
As part of the monitoring exercise, the statement said, adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) surveillance was kept, as in routine immunisation and a mass campaign exercise. The AEFI forms are available in all health facilities to record and investigate all reports of adverse events linked to vaccine administration.
"Where adverse events were reported, district health teams conducted follow-up investigations and made appropriate recommendations for action to be taken," it pointed out.
It said there were adequate preparations at all vaccination points in Ghana which managed serious, rare and uncommon adverse events.
“In a mass campaign of this nature, it is not unexpected that a few individuals may come up with uncommon or rare adverse events.
"It is, therefore, advised that anyone who feels unwell or has any complaint related to the H1N1 vaccination should report to the nearest health facility,” the statement added.