13 children suffer MR vaccination reaction in Bathinda

Thirteen children who suffered ‘adverse’ reactions after being administered the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine in different schools in the district over the past few days were admitted to the Bathinda civil hospital on Monday. 

The children came down with fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache and anxiety. Rajvir Singh, 5, with fever and vomiting was referred to a private hospital from the civil hospital, where his condition is stable. Doctors claim the hot weather is also leading to children administered the vaccine falling ill.

“Children given the MR vaccine might show reaction even after four days of getting it, but these are minor reactions. Any serious reaction occurs within half-an-hour of being vaccinated.”

Dr Hari Narain Singh, civil surgeon, Bathinda

Harbinder Kaur, mother of Harjot Kaur, 4, said, “My daughter was administered the MR vaccine on May 1. She had been suffering with fever since. She started vomiting and we had to bring her to hospital.” Gurjit Kaur, mother of Akhu, 3, said, “My son got the vaccine on Monday and soon went down with diarrhoea. We had to bring him to hospital.”

Paediatrician at the Bathinda civil hospital, Dr Manita said, “Three children who are suffering from fever have been admitted, while others have been discharged after treatment. The child referred to a private hospital is also stable and his condition is improving.”

Bathinda civil surgeon Dr Hari Narain Singh said, “Some children suffered a minor reaction after been administered the MR vaccine, but there was no case of any serious reaction.”

“Children given the MR vaccine might show a reaction even after four days of getting it, but these are minor reactions. Any serious reaction occurs within half-an-hour of being vaccinated,” he added.