In a shocking incident, an infant died after getting vaccinated at at Dadra Tola Anganwadi Centre in Bahadur village under the jurisdiction of Mehandwani police station in Dindori district in the wee hours on Wednesday. The family members have accused the healthcare staff of displaying carelessness during vaccination and demanded for stern action. On the complaint of family members, the police registered a case and initiated further investigation. Besides this, the health department has sent the district immunization officer and other officials to probe the matter. According to reports, Preet, the two-month-and-thirteen-day-old son of Ramsu and Roshni Yadav from Ahiran Tola in Bahadur village was administered the first dose of the Pentavalent vaccine at 1 PM on Tuesday at Dadra Tola Anganwadi Centre. Roshni, the mother, informed that health workers gave Preet two injections on the thighs and one on the arm. The health worker had advised giving Paracetamol tablets in case of fever or other issues.

 

The family claimed that Preet was healthy before the vaccination. However, after receiving the Pentavalent dose, his body became warm, and he faced difficulty breastfeeding. Following the health worker’s advice, Preet was given the Paracetamol tablet. Despite this, his condition deteriorated, and he passed away at 1 AM that night. A team led by Block Medical Officer Dr. Chandrashekhar Dhurve and Medical Officer Dr. Jitendra Thakur started investigation, isolating the vaccine carrier kit for testing. As a precaution, children previously vaccinated are also being monitored. Experts suggest that deaths due to vaccination are rare.

 

However, factors such as compromised vaccine quality, improper timing of vaccination, lack of hygiene during administration, errors in assessing muscle mass, or weak immunity in children could lead to complications. Since Pentavalent doses are given in a precise quantity of 0.5 ml, the likelihood of overdose is ruled out. Immunization officials have stated that Preet’s death might be due to milk choking rather than the vaccine. A thorough investigation has been ordered. It was reported that the health worker provided a Paracetamol tablet instead of syrup due to unavailability. Experts recommend syrup for infants to avoid choking hazards associated with tablets. 

 

 

Shyam Sunder Usrathe, SHO of Mehandwani police station informed that the family has alleged the child’s death due to vaccination. A case has been registered and a post-mortem has been conducted. Legal action will be followed on the basis of the investigation. Dr R K Dongre, District Immunisation Officer, Dindori said, “We have received information about the incident. A team comprising the BMO and Medical Officer has been sent to investigate. The vaccine carrier kit has been secured and all aspects will be examined. The cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem report.”