Deaths after Vaccination in Tamil Nadu

Panic gripped the state after 4 children dies after receiving the measles vaccination in Tamil Nadu. The govt. has stopped the vaccination program and has ordered a high level inquiry into the incident apart from suspending all those who administered the vaccine.

Anaphylaxis- which means that the baby has an allergy to the components of the vaccine and has developed an allergic reaction. This can happen to any medication.

Expired Vaccines- Expired Vaccines are extremely dangerous and SHOULD NOT be administered.

Un sterile Syringes- These are for causing problems, tetanus infections etc.

Vaccines are essential to prevent diseases in children. Some vaccines prevent dangerous diseases like polio, tetanus and diphtheria etc which if affect you child can be very traumatic for you child, causing huge financial implications for you, and sometimes can even be fatal. So vaccines are essential for you baby

How can I prevent these types of dangers associated with vaccines?

Anaphylaxis is an unfortunate event that can be detected only after it occurs. This can happen with any medications. Most of the vaccines are non reactive and do not cause anaphylaxis, but we can never predict our body’s response. Thus for any inject able drug, including vaccines should be taken in a hospital setting with a loaded ‘Adrenaline’ syringe which is the first drug to be given in case of anaphylaxis. This is a life saving precaution and should be followed ideally in all conditions where indictable are being administered. Once adrenaline is given, the patient can be transferred for further management.

Checking the expiry date of the vaccine is a simple, effective and essential way of preventing these complications related to expired vaccines. Also check the syringe for any expiry date if applicable.

Sterile Instruments- Make sure that only sterile injections are used to administer a vaccine to your baby in case of injectables.