Assessment of H1N1 influenza: A swine flu vaccination in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess H1N1 vaccination in the Kumasi metropolis of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Questionnaires on the subject were administered to 504 individuals compris-ing of 254 health personnel and 250 from the general public (in a cross-sectional survey) after an initial interview of 1,686 individuals. Data obtained was analyzed using Sigma Plot 11. Three sixty four (72.2 %), and 390 (77.4 %) of the study participants responded that education on H1N1 flu and the side effects of the vaccine respectively were not extensive. Prior to the vaccina-tion, 310 (61.5 %) of respondents were not interviewed on their health status. Three hundred and seventy eight (75.2 %) respondents suffered some side effects after vaccination. Of those, 363 (96 %) suffered side effects lasting up to a week. Due to the severity of the side effects, 154 (40.7 %) took medications after the vaccination to ameliorate the effect. Of all those who experienced adverse effects, only 105 (28 %) reported these to a health facility. One hundred and seventy seven (35.1 %) said there should be discontinuation of the vaccination programme due to the side effects observed. Vaccination is one of the most effective means to control pandemics such as H1N1 flu, therefore education on the pandemic and possible side effects of vaccination should be done well to encourage the public to patronize in such exercises. Emergency services should also be provided at all vaccination centers to attend to individuals who may be infected or may react to the vaccine.