The Minister of Health, Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor yesterday reacted to the ongoing controversy surrounding H1N1 vaccines saying there is no critical evidence to show people really died from it. There have been reports that a number of people have died after getting vaccinated but the Health Minister indicated that such reports have not been proven. Answering questions on the floor of Parliament, the Minister said 390 minor and expected adverse effects had been reported and effectively managed assuring his outfit would make informed decisions based on the seriousness and or unusual nature of such effects in consultation with the World Health Organization. The Member of Parliament for Manhyia, Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh wanted to know from the minister how his department is dealing with the emerging global problem associated with H1N1 vaccinations in Ghana. According to the Minister, emergency drugs for Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) are available at each health facility and all reported cases requiring medical attention are being managed free of charge by health workers at all levels. “AEFI’s monitoring through a system called post market surveillance and pharmacovigilance are investigated and captured in investigations forms from regions and districts by staff of the Food and Drugs Board and health worker at all levels,” he pointed out. Admitting that the vaccines could cause allergic reactions such as rashes, rapid swelling of deeper skin layers and tissue, asthma or severe multi-system allergic reactions due to hypersensitivity to certain vaccine components, the Minister maintained “local reactions such as redness, soreness and swelling at the injection site, less often can cause fever, muscle, joint aches or headaches.” Dr. Kunbour who referred to the side effects following vaccination as ‘adverse events’ was however quick to point out that symptoms are generally mild, do not need medical attention and last one to two days. Source: Daily Guide