25 students taken ill after MR vaccination in Hailakandi; probe ordered

Hailakandi, September 8, 2018

As many as 25 students of a Hailakandi school complained of nausea, stomach ache and fever after being administered Measles Rubella (MR) vaccine on Saturday prompting the district authorities to order a probe.

The incident was reported from Sahabad ME Madrassa under Katlicherra revenue circle.

Hailakandi Deputy Commissioner, Adil Khan ordered the probe to be headed by the joint director of Health Services and District Immunization Officer and asked them to submit a report to him immediately.

Local MLA, Suzamuddin Laskar, District Development Commissioner, FR Laskar, Additional Deputy Commissioner, EL Fairhiem, Circle Officer, James Aind and other officials visited the school and the Block PHC to take stock of the situation.

Following vaccination just after mid-day meal, several students complained of nausea, fever, stomach ache and vomiting and had to be hospitalised.

Joint Director, Health Services, Dr. Avijit Basu, who rushed to the site, informed that six students had been hospitalized while the rest were kept under observation and would be discharged soon.

Dr. Basu said he had examined the vaccines administered on 120 students and found them to be in order.

District Immunization Officer (DIO) Dr. K Thambalsena said there were no serious cases and condition of the students was stable. She said the MR vaccine approved by World Health Organisation was being constantly monitored and was of high quality.

The DIO said there was no need to panic as common side effects such as fever, rashes, nausea and dizziness could occur in some cases following MR vaccination.

As many as 2.15 lakh children of 1,485 schools in the district will be covered under MR vaccination drive.