Deaths of Nine Kids Forces Suspension of Vaccine in Vietnam

Following the deaths of nine children who were given Quinvaxem vaccine in Vietnam, the country’s health ministry revealed that it will be suspending the use of the vaccine.

Following the deaths of nine children who were given Quinvaxem vaccine in Vietnam, the country’s health ministry revealed that it will be suspending the use of the vaccine until it receives a report from the World Health Organization.

Quinvaxem is a preventative inoculation against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis or whooping cough, hepatitis B and H and influenza Type B.

Hib Vaccine - Types, Dosage Schedule, Contraindications and Side Effects
The Hib vaccine protects children against infections like meningitis and pneumonia that are caused by the Haemophilus influenzae type b bacterium.

According to Xinhua, Quinvaxem is manufactured by the Berna Biotech Korea Corporation and was licensed for use in Vietnam's immunisation programme sponsored by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization.

Since June 2010, Vietnam has imported 16.2 million doses of Quinvaxem, 15.2 million doses of which have already been distributed, state-run Voice of Vietnam reported.

> The WHO has sent experts to Vietnam to investigate the alleged side-effects of Quinvaxem.

About Shingles
In ‘Shingles’ or ‘Herpes Zoster’ painful skin rashes appear usually on the side of chest wall. It is caused by chicken pox virus called varicella zoster.

Batches of Quinvaxem have also been sent to Britain for tests.

Source-IANS

Tetanus - Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment FAQs
Tetanus (or Lockjaw) is a serious preventable infection that can affect the muscles and nerves and results from contamination of wound. The vaccine against Tetanus can prevent the infection.