Comparison of adverse events following immunization before and after introduction of pentavalent vaccine in children in an urban area: A retrospective study

Abstract

Aim: To study & compare Adverse Events Following Immunization before and after introduction of pentavalent vaccine in children under seven years of age. Methods and Material: Detailed records of 61 reported cases from District immunization office of a metropolitan city Results: After introduction of pentavalent vaccine most frequent presentations were pain (36.1%), fever (36.1%), febrile seizures (30.5%), seizures other than febrile (22.2%) and local swelling (16.67%). In the groups before and after introduction of pentavalent vaccine respectively, 03 (12.0%) and 06 (16.7%) cases died, out of these 06 deaths, 04 (66.7%) were directly due to pentavalent vaccine. Conclusions: There was an increase in unexplained deaths after introduction of pentavalent vaccine (Age group – 0 -24 months). Hence, it is recommended that rigorous research should be conducted to increase the investigations and reporting of AEFI cases associated with pentavalent vaccine.