Side effects of measles vaccine--as perceived by mothers
Singhi, S.C.; Kaur, A.; Khajuria, R.; Datta, N.; Kumar, V.
Indian Pediatrics 24(3): 215-219
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 3679460 Document Number: 533
Mothers' perception of side effects of any vaccine may affect the acceptance of the vaccine by a community. We therefore, recorded mother's perception of reactions following measles vaccination to 1599 children, on day 4 and 8 after vaccination in a rural area of Haryana. Fever was the commonest systemic reaction, proved in 18.8% children between day 1 to 3 and in 6% between day 4 to 7. Local pain was the commonest local reaction reported in 77 (4.8%) children between day 1 to 3; it was associated with excessive crying and/or irritability in about two third of the cases. Seizure was reported in 7 (0.46%) cases; in 4 this was associated with high fever. Anticipation of occurrence of fever and local pain should be a genuine concern, following measles vaccination. Provision of paracetamol to all vaccinated children for use in case of fever and pain, to relieve the symptoms and thus the mother of her anxiety could be a simple measure to improve the acceptance.
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