Adverse event following immunization surveillance and management: A case of two Districts in Madhya Pradesh

Background: Adverse event following immunization (AEFI) is defined as a medical incident that takes place after immunization, which is believed to be caused by the immunization. Health-care staff should be able to identify and report all serious and nonserious AEFI. Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the reporting pattern of AEFI by grass-root health-care workers in Madhya Pradesh. Methods: Data related to AEFI were retrieved from three different reporting forms in Vidisha and Bhopal districts of Madhya Pradesh. Results: The results revealed gaps in the reporting patterns of health-care workers and limited understanding of reporting guidelines. AEFI surveillance and management are suboptimal, which can be strengthened with strategic actions. Conclusion: Robust AEFI surveillance and management are warranted. AEFI surveillance can potentially minimize the risk of serious adverse reactions, improve reporting and treatment, prevent any further complications which can overall reduce the negative impact on the immunization programme.