SHILLONG: Meghalaya Government has asserted that Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccines are completely safe and essential to save children from the two deadly diseases
The statement came from the Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Pravin Bakshi after media reports that 25 students reportedly fell ill after being administered Measles Rubella (MR) vaccination at Sahabad ME Madrassa under Katlicherra revenue circle in Assam.
As per Bakshi, contact was established with Deputy Commissioner of Hailakandi and it was informed that 25 students who reportedly fell ill after administration of Measles Rubella (MR) vaccination at Sahabad ME Madrassa under Katlicherra revenue circle were not due to adverse events following immunization (AEFI).
District Immunization Officer, Dr. K. Thambalsena disclosed that the students who were reportedly taken ill after administering of MR vaccine were not due to AEFI but due to anxiety and hysteria induced by injection fear.
The DIO said the AEFI symptoms generally associated with MR vaccine such as rashes were not seen in the incident.
Joint Director, Health Services, Dr.Avijit Basu, who rushed to the site of the incident and personally monitored the whole situation, categorically stated that had it been AEFI, all the 120 students being vaccinated at the school would have all fallen ill.
The health authorities here have asked the people not to panic as MR vaccine approved by the WHO is highly safe with an impassioned plea to extend support and cooperation to the ongoing MR vaccination campaign in the days ahead.
Bakshi also said that people should seek clarification about any such reports from district and state authorities