09/14/2002

[Announcer] The Federation of Bosnia-Hercegovina is halting inoculation of children with Unicef-donated acellular DTP vaccine made in Australia. The reason is the vaccine's bad quality packaging which can easily be contaminated and the fact that complications with the brain membrane are possible in one in 35,000 to 100,000 vaccinated children. It is expected that the new generation of the DTP vaccine should be purchased from the next state budget. Vaccination against serious illnesses like diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis will not be halted.

[Reporter] It has not been confirmed that the DTP vaccine is the cause of encephalitis, the inflammation of the brain membrane in an 18-month baby currently hospitalized in Sarajevo paediatric hospital, a day after it had been vaccinated. Results from Ljubljana are being awaited...