PPB launches probe as one person allegedly died after receiving the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine

By Mourice Seretta

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has launched investigations after one person allegedly died after taking the Covid-19 AstraZeneca vaccine in Kenya.

The Board’s Deputy Director, Dr Peter Ikamati, however says the victim may have died from a miscarriage and not from the vaccine.

Dr Ikamati also says the Board will release a report on the incident, which happened in Uasin Gishu, on Friday.

“What we can say is it was a misreport, an expectant female got a miscarriage, it happened within period of being given vaccine. Miscarriage could have happened, it does not have to be linked to the shot. Because of the gravity of the matter, when a severe case is reported, PPB will follow up within 24hours.” Dr Ikamati said on Wednesday.

He further added that 279 people had adverse effects after taking the vaccine, with 7 others experiencing severe symptoms.

On its part, the Ministry of Health said 370,000 Kenyans have so far been vaccinated against COVID-19, with Lamu recording the lowest number of people at 262.

“You can get vaccinated today and it does not mean you can’t suffer any other effects such as hypertension or diarrhea. If this happens after the vaccine, it may not mean such effects were caused by the vaccine,” said Dr. Collins Tabu, Head of Immunization, Ministry of Health.

He added that that Kenya is projected to spend more than Ksh.36 billion to deliver the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine.