Kerala: 61-Year-Old Woman Paralysed After Taking Rabies Vaccine

The hospital's principal clarified that Shanthamma and her husband, Soman, had been informed of the potential side effects prior to vaccination.

A 61-year-old woman reportedly suffered paralysis after being administered a rabies vaccine at the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) in Alappuzha. She is currently receiving treatment for anaphylactic shock in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU).

The woman identified as Shanthamma from Thakazhi, Kuttanad, visited the hospital on October 21 after sustaining scratches on her hand from a rabbit, reported The Hindu.

Her daughter, Sonia, stated in a complaint that Shanthamma exhibited allergic reactions following a test dose of the rabies vaccine. Despite these signs, hospital staff proceeded with the full vaccination series, allegedly worsening her condition, as per a report on Manoramma. Shanthamma lost consciousness shortly afterward and is now gradually recovering under medical care.

The hospital's principal clarified that Shanthamma and her husband, Soman, had been informed of the potential side effects prior to vaccination, and that the vaccine was administered with their consent.

When symptoms of anaphylaxis were observed, a duty doctor from the General Medicine department provided immediate care in the casualty area before moving her to the ICU, as per the report. Specialists from Cardiology and Neurology departments have since been involved in her treatment. Hospital officials explained that while rare, severe allergic reactions can occur with the Equine Rabies Immunoglobulin used in this case.

In a similar incident last year, a nurse on contract at the Angamally Taluk Hospital in Ernakulam was dismissed after allegedly administering a rabies vaccine to a feverish child awaiting a blood test. The Kerala Health Department conducted an inquiry and terminated the nurse’s service following the incident, which occurred on August 11.

In 2021, three elderly women who were supposed to be vaccinated for COVID-19 were instead vaccinated against rabies in Shamli of Uttar Pradesh. The incident came to light after one of the women started feeling dizzy and health deteriorated.