Kerala - Kozhikode   

Vaccine: steps to prevent more harm

Staff Reporter

Action after test results come in

KOZHIKODE: C. Gokuldas, Assistant Drug Controller, Kozhikode, has said that all measures were being taken to prevent further harm from administering the particular batch of the tetanus toxoide vaccine that had resulted in students of the Vattoli Government High School here taking ill and leading to the death of one.

In a statement here on Monday, Mr. Gokuldas said the results of the tests being conducted on the drug were awaited and based on the report action would be initiated against the firm that manufactured the drug.

The major tests prescribed in such cases include Specific Toxicity, Abnormal Toxicity, Sterility and Biological Assess.

Four other supplementary tests are prescribed in addition to these.

The samples of the vaccine of the particular batch were sent to the Central Research Institute, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh for testing.

The disposal syringes used to administer the vaccine were sent for examination to the Drugs Testing Laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram.

A request has been made to the Director of the Central Research Institute to make the test report available as early as possible.

Directive issued

A directive has further been issued to the concerned health centres that the use of the vaccine of the particular batch distributed through the Kozhikode District Medical Office be suspended immediately, he said.

Further tests

Further tests were being made on the tetanus toxoide vaccine in other batches being administered elsewhere in the State.

The Drug Controller General (India) office has also been alerted on the possible side effects of the vaccine.

Following reports of the students taking ill after the drug was administered, the Drugs Control Department officials had visited the area and made enquiries.

It was pointed out that the tests prescribed to test the foolproof quality of the tetanus vaccine would take around 33 days.

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