AEFI

AEFI

Subject : Science & tech

Context : 180 people died after vaccination in India till March 29, over 6 crore inoculated by then. However, the data does not reflect if the deaths were caused due to the vaccine.

Concept :

Adverse events following immunization (AEFI)

• As vaccine-preventable infectious diseases continue to Adecline, people have become increasingly concerned about the risks associated with vaccines.
• Furthermore, technological advances and continuously increased knowledge about vaccines have led to investigations focused on the safety of existing vaccines which have sometimes created a climate of concern.
• Adverse event following immunization is any untoward medical occurrence which follows immunization and which does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the usage of the vaccine.
• If not rapidly and effectively dealt with, can undermine confidence in a vaccine and ultimately have dramatic consequences for immunization coverage and disease incidence.
• Alternatively, vaccine-associated adverse events may affect healthy individuals and should be promptly identified to allow additional research and appropriate action to take place.
• In order to respond promptly, efficiently, and with scientific rigour to vaccine safety issues, WHO has established a Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety.