Even as the vaccine against Covid-19 is in the trial stages, the Union Health Ministry has asked all the States /UTs to be ready with vaccination-related Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) surveillance plan as a safety measure.
“The preparations are underway for conducting Covid-19 vaccinations in the States and districts, starting with certain priority groups. In connection with this, steps need to be taken to strengthen AEFI surveillance following Covid-19 vaccinations to maintain confidence in the safety of vaccines” said an official in a letter to all the States/UTs.
Among key initiatives to strengthen AEFI surveillance system for Covid-19 vaccination include roping in medical specialists such as neurologistsm cardiologists, respiratory medicine specialists in addition to paediatricians in the state and district AEFI committees.
The Ministry feel that since, the vaccinations will be given to adults, many of whom may have comorbidities, events due to pre-existing comorbidities (stroke, heart attacks etc) may be reported as AEFIs.