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WHO: A Few Minor Vaccine Side Effects In China

 


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China became the first country to begin swine flu inoculations a couple of weeks ago, and was followed last week by Australia.  

 

The Chinese Vaccine, created by Sinovac, is apparently an unadjuvanted, standard dose (15ug), `split’ vaccine – which should be similar to formulations about to be rolled out here in the United States (see Sinovac Shot Shows Promise).

 

Over the first couple of weeks at least 39,000 shots have been delivered, and according to the WHO (World Health Organization), they have reports of only 4 minor adverse effects.

 

When you give tens of millions of vaccines over a short period of time, the concern always exists that some rare, serious side effect will show up.  

 

All medicines have risks.  Even over-the-counter medications. Some are known, while others are so rare, we have trouble measuring them.  It is always a balancing act - a risk-reward calculation - when deciding to take any medicine. 

 

Vaccines are generally so safe, however, you have to give hundreds of thousands . . . or even millions of shots before any rare side effect becomes apparent.

 

The US government has a number of programs in place to look for adverse reactions, such as VAERS and the VSD project.   While serious problems are not expected, public health officials will be keeping a close watch . . . just in case.

 

 

WHO sees a few minor side effects from H1N1 shot

By ALEXANDER G. HIGGINS

The Associated Press
Tuesday, October 6, 2009; 8:05 AM

 

GENEVA -- Vaccine is the best tool against swine flu despite reports of a few minor side effects from the initial campaign in China, the World Health Organization said Monday.

 

Four out of 39,000 people vaccinated against H1N1 in China have had side effects such as muscle cramps and headache, WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl said.

 

"Adverse events are fully to be expected, especially these mild types," Hartl said, adding that this was particularly true in cases where very large numbers of people are being vaccinated.

 

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