Measles-Rubella vaccine safe: Govt

SHILLONG: The state government has asserted that Measles-Rubella 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 said 25 students reportedly fell ill after administering of 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 were not due to adverse events following immunisation (AEFI).
District Immunisation Officer Dr K Thambalsena said the illness was due to anxiety and hysteria induced by injection fear.
The DIO said AEFI symptoms generally associated with MR vaccine such as rashes were not seen in these cases.
Joint director of health services Dr Avijit Basu, who rushed to the site of the incident and personally monitored the situation, categorically stated that had it been AEFI, all the 120 students being vaccinated in the school would have fallen ill.
The health authorities here have asked the people not to panic as MR vaccine approved by 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 people should seek clarification about any such reports from district and state authorities.