India halts vaccine programs after deaths of four children!
DELHI, India - August 27, 2010 - Vaccine programs have ground to a halt in India, when four children died after they received the measles vaccination in Lucknow. The four children were reported to have fainted soon after they were vaccinated and witnesses reported seeing the children's eyes roll back as they began to have seizures. All of the children were under two years of age, with the youngest being just six months. Sadly, the children died before medical aid workers could reach them.
As news of the deaths spread, immunization drives in 41 villages have been halted until further investigations are conducted.
The immunization program was being conducted as part of the government's Jachha Bachha Suraksha Abhiyan, launched on August 15. Minutes after vaccination, the children started gasping for breath.
NDTV reported that the Health Ministry has ordered an inquiry after the four infants died after receiving the vaccine. The inquiry team has yet to reach Uttar Pradesh, however, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced compensation for the families of the victims.
