Probe into Samoa infant deaths after vaccine jabs

WELLINGTON: International health experts launched an investigation yesterday into why two Samoan infants died shortly after receiving childhood vaccination injections in a tragedy that has rocked the close-knit Pacific nation.

The tiny country has suspended its vaccination programme and seized all doses for testing after the deaths at the Safotu District Hospital last Friday.

The health department said two one-year- old babies, a boy and a girl, died soon after being administered a vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella ( MMR).

A World Health Organisation ( WHO) expert has arrived to investigate and a specialist from Unicef was also en route, along with a forensic pathologist to carry out autopsies, it added.

“We will investigate the cause and will take the appropriate actions to ensure that the lives of Samoan children will not be compromised in the future,” the director- general of health Take Naseri said.

Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi expressed his condolences at the deaths, which have rattled the nation of 195,000 people.

Malielegaoi, who almost lost his grandson several years ago under similar circumstances, said an inquiry would look at whether negligence was a factor.

Medical experts say the cause of the deaths remains unknown and have warned the tragedy should not be exploited by antivaccination activists.

“The message is — please understand vaccination is very safe, it’s very appropriate and everyone should still continue with their appointments as currently planned,” Australian Medical Association president Tony Bartone told Sky News.