The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has assured that as far as available evidence indicates, the Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine is safe. However, GHS said it was following up and monitoring reports on all adverse reactions following vaccinations to inform policy decisions. This was contained in a statement issued by GHS and signed by Ms Rebecca Ackwonu, Public Relations Officer, on public reaction to the vaccination. The statement said "our attention has been drawn to media reports of adverse reactions following vaccinations with the Influenza 'A' (H1N1) vaccine. "Even though such adverse reactions following vaccination and even after any drug administration are not unusual, the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service wish to indicate that we take such reports with all seriousness and are following all such adverse events, including the death of someone in Accra.” "We wish to assure all that the vaccines in question are WHO pre-qualified after satisfying relevant procedures, including safety and efficacy trials. We are aware of associated adverse reactions, following such vaccinations but almost all of them are minor, except an occasional severe event," it added. The statement said that was why, as part of the vaccination exercise, post-exposure surveillance had been instituted with all people who received the vaccine. Those vaccinated are advised to report all adverse reactions to the nearest health facility for appropriate management and documentation. It said so far, over two million doses of the vaccine had been given to individuals, and almost all reported that the reactions had been mild such as pain and stiffness at the site of injection, fever, headache, running nose and occasional lump in the armpit, almost all of which had resolved after a few days. Influenza A H1N1 is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus, and since the first cases were identified in Mexico in April 2009, many countries have also registered cases. Since the first case was identified in August 2009 in Ghana, surveillance, public education and patient care have ensured reasonable reduction in transmission. To date, about 907 cases have been confirmed in Ghana with one infant death. Globally, as of July 2, 2010, 61 countries had completed vaccine deliveries to protect their population, administering 45,440,550 doses. Ghana started its vaccination against Influenza H1N1 on June 14 and has to date administered two million doses including 1,500 individuals who were protected before travelling to South Africa for the World Cup Tournament. The pandemic influenza vaccine used in Ghana is Pandemrix. The vaccine is safe and complies with WHO recommendation. One dose (0.5ml) administered into the left shoulder muscles provides protection. The vaccine is not administered to pregnant women in their first trimester and people with known hypersensitivity reaction to any of the vaccine constituents. Ghana received 2.3 million doses of Pandemrix. The priority groups receiving the vaccine are healthcare professionals, pregnant women, some security personnel and certain individuals. Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) surveillance is kept as in routine immunization and mass campaign exercises. AEFI Forms are available in all health facilities to record and investigate all reports of adverse events linked to vaccine administration. Where adverse effects are reported, District Health Teams conduct follow up investigations and make the appropriate recommendations for action. There are adequate preparations in all vaccination points in Ghana to manage serious rare and uncommon adverse events. In a mass campaign of this nature, it is not unexpected that a few individuals may come up with uncommon or rare adverse events. It is, therefore, advised that anyone who feels unwell or have any complain and feels it could be related to H1N1 vaccination should report to the nearest facility. Source: GNA