Sinovac bottling contamination may cause ‘paralysis’ reaction, says expert
A contaminated batch of Sinovac vaccine may be the cause of temporary paralysis suffered by seven recipients of the vaccine earlier this month, says a health expert.
Dr Thiravat Hemachudha, who heads Chulalongkorn University's Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, said problems with the preparation or bottling were the likely culprits since the vaccine itself is not under suspicion.
Thai authorities said they would contact the vaccine’s manufacturer as part of their investigation into possible contamination.
The adverse effects in the seven recipients appeared to cause blood vessels to tense and shrink, reducing the supply of blood to the brain, Dr Thiravat explained.
Vasodilator drugs were administered to the recipients and their symptoms improved immediately. Blood vessels that contract for a prolonged period can cause permanent damage to brain tissue. In this case, thrombolytic drugs are used to alleviate symptoms.
Thiravat advised that people should be monitored for 30 minutes after receiving the vaccine and then self-monitor for at least 24 hours after returning home.
Treatment for adverse effects may sound complicated but it was successful and should not affect people’s plans to get vaccinated, he added.
