Adverse events following immunization with pentavalent vaccine in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Immunizations currently save 3 million lives per year throughout the world and is one of the most cost-effective health interventions. The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI) and WHO recommended the use of pentavalent to replace the DPT vaccine in developing countries. Vaccines related most side effects are mild and non-serious. Surveillance of adverse events following immunization will enable us to monitor the safety of immunization programs and thereby contribute to validating the immunization program. The main aim of this study is to analyze all suspected adverse events in children reported for pentavalent vaccination.Methods:A prospective, observational epidemiological study was conducted in the department of Paediatrics OPD at tertiary care teaching institute during October 2016 to December 2016. The study was conducted amongst 190 children attending the department of Paediatrics OPD for the second or third dose of pentavalent vaccine.Results: The study shows the following adverse effects after pentavalent injection 127 (66.8%) children had pain at the site of injection, 103(54.2%) mild fever, Swelling at injection site 84(44.2%) and 55(28.9%) children held their leg back due to pain. In majority 85 (44.7%) of children antipyretic and in 65 (34.2%) children analgesic was given was given to relieve the symptoms. The parents were very positive for completing their children’s immunization schedule even though they have faced few symptoms.Conclusions:It can be concluded that all the adverse events reported were mild and could be managed easily without any complications.