Incidence and Management of Adverse Events Following Immunization in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Maharashtra: Insights from the Universal Immunization Program
Authors/Creators
- 1. Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, S.B.H.G.M.C. Dhule, Maharashtra
- 2. Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, S.B.H.G.M.C. Dhule, Maharashtra
- 3. Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, S.B.H.G.M.C. Dhule, Maharashtra
- 4. Professor, Department of Community Medicine, S.B.H.G.M.C. Dhule, Maharashtra
Description
Introduction: Adverse events following immunization (AEFI) are a critical concern in public health, impacting vaccine safety and acceptance. The Universal Immunization Program (UIP) of India aims to provide equitable access to essential vaccines, yet monitoring and managing AEFI remains a challenge. This study investigates the incidence, types, and management of AEFI in an Immunoprophylaxis Clinic of a tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra, India. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted over six months, enrolling 204 children who received vaccinations under the UIP at a tertiary care hospital. AEFI data were collected using standardized reporting forms, documenting the type of vaccine administered, the occurrence of AEFI, and the management provided. The sample size was calculated to ensure a 95% confidence level with a 3% margin of error, resulting in a required sample size of 204. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and chi-square tests were applied to analyze the association between demographic factors and AEFI incidence. Results: The overall incidence rate of AEFI was 6.10%, with 25 cases recorded out of 410 doses administered. The highest incidence rate was observed with the BCG vaccine (10.20%), followed by the PCV vaccine (5.90%) and the MR vaccine (5.20%). The 0-1 year age group experienced the most AEFI cases (10), indicating higher susceptibility in infants. Fever (36.00%) and local reactions (28.00%) were the most common types of AEFI, primarily managed with home care, while moderate reactions such as rash (16.00%), vomiting (12.00%), and abscess (8.00%) required medical intervention. All patients recovered successfully. Conclusion: The study highlights a relatively low but significant incidence of AEFI, with variations among different vaccines and age groups. The effective management of AEFI, with all patients recovering, underscores the robustness of current protocols. Continuous AEFI surveillance, targeted education for healthcare providers, and policy improvements are essential to further enhance vaccine safety and public confidence in immunization programs.
Abstract (English)
Introduction: Adverse events following immunization (AEFI) are a critical concern in public health, impacting vaccine safety and acceptance. The Universal Immunization Program (UIP) of India aims to provide equitable access to essential vaccines, yet monitoring and managing AEFI remains a challenge. This study investigates the incidence, types, and management of AEFI in an Immunoprophylaxis Clinic of a tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra, India. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted over six months, enrolling 204 children who received vaccinations under the UIP at a tertiary care hospital. AEFI data were collected using standardized reporting forms, documenting the type of vaccine administered, the occurrence of AEFI, and the management provided. The sample size was calculated to ensure a 95% confidence level with a 3% margin of error, resulting in a required sample size of 204. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and chi-square tests were applied to analyze the association between demographic factors and AEFI incidence. Results: The overall incidence rate of AEFI was 6.10%, with 25 cases recorded out of 410 doses administered. The highest incidence rate was observed with the BCG vaccine (10.20%), followed by the PCV vaccine (5.90%) and the MR vaccine (5.20%). The 0-1 year age group experienced the most AEFI cases (10), indicating higher susceptibility in infants. Fever (36.00%) and local reactions (28.00%) were the most common types of AEFI, primarily managed with home care, while moderate reactions such as rash (16.00%), vomiting (12.00%), and abscess (8.00%) required medical intervention. All patients recovered successfully. Conclusion: The study highlights a relatively low but significant incidence of AEFI, with variations among different vaccines and age groups. The effective management of AEFI, with all patients recovering, underscores the robustness of current protocols. Continuous AEFI surveillance, targeted education for healthcare providers, and policy improvements are essential to further enhance vaccine safety and public confidence in immunization programs.
Files
IJPCR,Vol16,Issue8,Article53.pdf
Files
(367.8 kB)
| Name | Size | Download all |
|---|---|---|
|
md5:c8231533826f8d8757ff94d0570b0583
|
367.8 kB | Preview Download |
Additional details
Dates
- Accepted
-
2024-07-26
Software
- Repository URL
- https://impactfactor.org/PDF/IJPCR/16/IJPCR,Vol16,Issue8,Article53.pdf
- Development Status
- Active
References
- 1. Factors influencing adverse events following immunization with AZD1222 in Vietnamese adults during first half of 2021 - PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PM C8485226/ 2. A brief history of vaccines & vaccination in India - PMC [Internet]. [Cited 2024 Jun 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /pmc/articles/PMC4078488/ 3. Vaccines for Children in Low- and MiddleIncome Countries - Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health - NCBI Bookshelf [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361 927/ 4. Progress in Immunization Safety Monitoring — Worldwide, 2010–2019 - PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 21]. Available from: https:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8344 995/ 5. Active surveillance of adverse events following immunization (AEFI): a prospective 3-year vaccine safety study - PubMed [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 21]. Available from: https:// pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31799496/ 6. Adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) of COVISHIELD vaccination among healthcare workers in Ghana - PubMed [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 21]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37380201/ 7. (6) (PDF) Surveillance of adverse events following immunization in Oman, 2006-2015 [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 21]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/3249 13351_Surveillance_of_adverse_events_follo wing_immunization_in_Oman_2006- 2015/figures?lo=1 8. Assessment of sex-specific differences in adverse events following immunization reporting in Ontario, 2012–15 - ScienceDirect [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 21]. Available from: https:// www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S02 64410X17303419