The Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine is safe- GHS

Accra, July 8, GNA - The Ghana Health Service (GHS) on Wednesday gave

the assurance that as far as available evidence indicates, the Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine is safe. However, it was following up and monitoring reports on all adverse reactions following the vaccinations, just as being done after all vaccinations, to inform policy decisions.

This was contained in a statement issued by GHS and signed by Ms Rebe cca Ackwonu, Public Relations Officer, on public reactions to the vaccination .. The statement said "our attention has been drawn to media reports of

adverse reactions following vaccinations with the Influenza 'A' (H1N1) vaccine. "Even though such adverse reactions following vaccination and even after any drug administration are not unusual, the Ministry of Health and

Ghana Health Service wish to indicate that we take such reports with all seriousness and are following all such adverse events, including the deat h of someone in Accra.

"We wish to assure all that the vaccines in question are WHO pre-qualified after satisfying relevant procedures, including safety and efficacy trials. We are aware of associated adverse reactions, following

such vaccinations but almost all of them are minor, except an occasional severe event," it added. It said that was why, as part of the vaccination exercise, post-expos ure surveillance had been instituted with all people who received the vaccine .. Those vaccinated are advised to report all adverse reactions to the neare st health facility for appropriate management and documentation. It said so far, over two million doses of the vaccine had been given to individuals, and almost all reported that the reactions had been mild suc h as pain and stiffness at the site of injection, fever, headache, running nose and occasional lump in the armpit, almost all of which had resolved after a few days. Influenza A H1N1 is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus, a nd since the first cases were identified in Mexico in April 2009, many countries have registered cases. Since the first case was identified in August 2009 in Ghana, surveillance, public education and patient care have ensured reasonable reduction in transmission.

To date, about 907 cases have been confirmed in Ghana with one infan t death. Globally, as of July 2, 2010, 61 countries had completed vaccine deliveries to protect their population, administering 45,440,550 doses. Ghana started its vaccination against Influenza H1N1 on June 14 and has to date administered two million doses including 1,500 individuals who we re protected before travelling to South Africa for the World Cup Tournament. The pandemic influenza vaccine used in Ghana is Pandemrix. The vacc ine is safe and complies with WHO recommendation. One dose (0.5ml) administe red into the left shoulder muscles provide protection.

The vaccine is not administered to pregnant women in their first trimester and people with known hypersensitivity reaction to any of the vaccine constituents. Ghana received 2.3 million doses of Pandemrix. The priority groups receiving the vaccine are healthcare professionals, pregnant women, some security personnel and certain individuals. Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) surveillance is kept as in routine immunization and mass campaign exercises. AEFI Forms are availab le in all health facilities to record and investigate all reports of adverse

events linked to vaccine administration. Where adverse effects are reported, District Health Teams conduct follow up investigations and make the appropriate recommendations for action. There are adequate preparations in all vaccination points in Ghana t o manage 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 have any complain and feels it could be related to H1N1 vaccination should report to the nearest facility. 08 July 10