SAPHRA: routine childhood vaccines remain safe

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has reassured parents and caregivers that routine childhood vaccines used in South Africa remain safe, based on ongoing scientific evidence and safety monitoring. This comes amid concerns and fears among some parents and caregivers regarding the safety of childhood vaccines.

In a statement, SAHPRA says it continuously monitors the safety and quality of vaccines used in the country. It added that before it is authorised, vaccines undergo regulatory processes to assess their safety, quality and efficacy.

Once authorised, vaccine safety reportedly continues to be monitored through established vaccine safety surveillance and pharmacovigilance systems.

SAHPRA says there is currently no scientific evidence that would warrant it reconsidering its assessment of the safety and effectiveness of routine childhood vaccines.

“Vaccines remain among the most effective medical interventions for protecting people against life threatening vaccine-preventable diseases,” said the authority

According to SAHPRA, the safety and effectiveness of vaccines are supported by decades of extensive scientific evidence globally.

The National Department of Health, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, World Health Organisation and public health authorities globally continue to recommend routine childhood vaccination to protect children from serious vaccine-preventable diseases.

SAHPRA added that the timing of each vaccination is based on evidence about the ages at which children are most vulnerable to particular diseases. It has therefore urged parents and caregivers to follow the recommended Expanded Programme on Immunisation schedule.

“SAHPRA and NDoH urge parents and caregivers to follow the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI-SA) schedule, and encourage them to speak to a healthcare professional if they have any questions.”

The most commonly reported side effects following immunisation are reportedly minor and can include mild fever, pain, redness and swelling at the injection site.

Members of the public are, however, encouraged to report any suspected extreme side effects following immunisation, even if they are unsure whether a vaccine was responsible.