Lessons learned in Central Ghana regarding the pandemic influenza a vaccine and how they could be used conserving new ebola virus vaccine

Background: The emergence of influenza A (H1N1) virus prompted the development of influenza A (H1N1) monovalent vaccines (2009-H1N1).The use of the vaccine was recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.Adverse events after vaccinations occur but are generally rare.The study was carried out to identify reported adverse and serious adverse events after administration of an influenza A (H1N1) vaccine.Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out between mid of July 2010 to end of August 2010 in Kintampo North Municipality and Offinso South Municipality in Ghana.The study was carried out as part of a pharmacovigilance study in Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC).Data were collected from consented participants using questionnaire.Results: Of the 420 forms that were given out to consented participants in the two regions, 379 (90.2%) were returned with completed information related to the Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine.Participants who took the vaccine reported of adverse events such as fever, headache, chills, stomach ache, diarrhoea, pain in the heart and fast heartbeat.Of those who received the vaccine, 4.4% (16/366) were hospitalized for the adverse event they reported to have experienced after vaccination.Of the 4.4% of the vaccinated participants that were hospitalized, 43.8% (7/16) were males and 56.3% (9/16) were females.There was no difference between the proportions (p=0.97) of males and females that were hospitalized after vaccination.Conclusion: Ghana used Pandemrix-Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine in June 2010.Symptoms reported ranged from what were expected to unexpected symptoms.This survey recorded sixteen (16) hospitalizations due to symptoms reported after vaccination.The study was not controlled and therefore could not make claims of whether the serious adverse events were associated with the vaccine.We recommend continuous and effective post-vaccination and post-marketing monitoring of adverse events after vaccinations.