Medical authorities have launched an investigation after several students experienced adverse reactions following a routine HPV vaccination program at a school in Bangladesh’s Bhola district. Officials emphasize that the symptoms appear to be temporary and primarily stress-related.
Initial Incident and Response
At Genda Secondary School in Borhanuddin Upazila, approximately 60 students reported feeling unwell after receiving their HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccinations on Tuesday afternoon. The vaccination program, which successfully administered doses to 162 students that morning, was part of a broader public health initiative aimed at preventing cervical cancer.
Healthcare workers immediately transported affected students to the Borhanuddin Upazila Health Complex for evaluation and monitoring. While most students experienced mild symptoms, six required transfer to Bhola Sadar Hospital for additional care.
Medical Assessment and Expert Opinion
Dr. Sheikh Sufian Rustom, Assistant Director of Bhola Sadar Hospital, indicated that preliminary investigations suggest the reactions were primarily psychogenic in nature – a known phenomenon during mass vaccination campaigns where anxiety and stress can trigger physical symptoms.
“These types of reactions, while concerning, are not uncommon during school-based vaccination programs,” explained Dr. Rustom. “Most students recover quickly with proper rest and reassurance.”
Official Response and Investigation
In response to the incident, Bhola Deputy Commissioner Azad Jahan has:
- Formed a dedicated investigation committee
- Deployed a medical team to monitor affected students
- Issued statements reassuring the public about vaccine safety
“While we take any adverse events seriously, there is no cause for widespread concern,” stated Commissioner Jahan. “Our primary focus remains on ensuring the affected students receive proper care and support.”
Context of the Vaccination Program
The incident occurred as part of a comprehensive public health initiative in Bhola district that aims to:
- Provide free HPV vaccination to 121,580 eligible girls
- Cover 524 educational institutions
- Protect female students aged 10-14 years in grades 5-9
- Include out-of-school girls in the same age group
Current Status
Most affected students have already recovered and returned home. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation while proceeding with the vaccination program across other schools in the district. Medical experts emphasize that the HPV vaccine has a strong safety record and plays a crucial role in preventing cervical cancer.
Moving Forward
The incident highlights the importance of:
- Proper preparation and support during school-based vaccination programs
- Clear communication with students and parents about potential stress reactions
- Immediate medical response capabilities at vaccination sites
- Continued monitoring and transparent reporting of any adverse events
Health officials maintain that the benefits of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer significantly outweigh any temporary discomfort or anxiety-related reactions that may occur during administration.
