A vaccine adverse event associated with seasonal influenza immunization in central Taiwan, Oct 2012

Sung-Hsi Wei1、Shu-Hui Chang1、Hui-Tzu Chiu2、Jung-Jung Mu3、Ming-Tsan Liu3、Ho-Sheng Wu3、Du-Ling Lin1、Chih-chung Tu1、Ching-Fen Ko1、Min-Cheng Lin1、Yen-Nan Chao4、Wan-Chin Chen5、Mei-Na Huang2

2012 Vol.28 NO.24

Correspondence Author： Mei-Na Huang

Abstract：

Trust in vaccine safety is a major issue in influenza vaccine campaign. To maintain the public trust, investigating the nature of vaccine associated adverse event promptly is essential. An 11-month-old female infant died suddenly one day after influenza immunization on October 5th, 2012. The Public Health Bureau of Taichung City Government visited the family immediately to offer assistance. The forensic examination performed by Taichung District Prosecutors Office (TDPO) and the Institute of Forensic Medicine (IFM) revealed signs of cardiomegaly and lung consolidation. Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, commissioned by IFM, detected Parvovirus B19 viral DNA in the infant’s body. The pathological findings and laboratory results showed the infant was died of Parvovirus B19 associated severe subacute lymphocytic myocarditis. The infant’s family was informed of the forensic diagnosis by the TDPO on October 12th and the investigation report was released on October 13th. Our report illustrated the proactive strategies in managing the vaccine adverse event. The sophisticated collaboration between public health authority and judicial authority is crucial in averting a vaccine associated public trust crisis.