-Down to Earth RTI reponse of Union health ministry shows states with better health track record have reported higher number of vaccine deaths How accurate is the enumeration of deaths caused by the five-in-one pentavalent vaccine in India? Reports from different states show information about adverse events following immunization (AEFI) is not very reliable. It would be difficult to reach any conclusion about the efficacy of the vaccine on the basis of...
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Immunisation as a matter of justice-Ramya Kannan
-The Hindu The critical issue in India, where the pentavalent vaccine is being rolled out, is raising the coverage levels of immunisation "Immunisation is not an election issue. It should be." Seth Berkley, CEO, GAVI Alliance, is not known for mincing his words. Throw in the immense experience he brings in from the area of vaccination, and he is easily the most articulate global proponent of immunisation. In India recently to meet...
More »Centre confirms three pentavalent vaccine deaths -Jyotsna Singh
-Down to Earth Union health ministry says 17 other deaths of infants reported in Haryana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu were not linked to five-in-one vaccine The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has admitted that the pentavalent vaccine has caused at least three infant deaths in Tamil Nadu since December 2011 when the vaccine was launched in the state. The admission follows a Right To Information query after vaccine-related deaths were...
More »UN and partners highlight essential actions to reduce child deaths from pneumonia
-The United Nations The United Nations and its partners are marking World Pneumonia Day today by highlighting essential actions that can help end child deaths from the single biggest killer of children under the age of five around the world. Pneumonia claims the lives of more than one million girls and boys every year, even though deaths from the disease are preventable, according to a joint news release issued by the World...
More »Do not ban the pentavalent vaccine
-The Economic Times The government must explain to the Supreme Court, with scientific evidence, why the pentavalent vaccine, now introduced into the immunisation programme, should not be banned. The vaccine is designed to combat five childhood diseases: diphtheria, Pertussis, tetanus, Hepatitis B, pneumonia and meningitis. So far, more than 82,000 doses have been administered and there have been 29 cases of adverse effects after immunisation. After examining the evidence, it is unclear...
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