1-month-old baby mistakenly given rabies vaccine in Tangail

A one-month-old baby was allegedly given rabies vaccine by mistake at the Bhuiyanpur Upazila Health Complex in Tangail. The child became lethargic shortly after being vaccinated, according to her family.

The child's name is Fahita. She is the child of Mou Khatun and Md. Faruk couple from Chabbisha village of the upazila.

She was taken to the health complex for routine vaccination on Wednesday afternoon (May 13). It is alleged that the health inspector in charge, Mohammad Qayyum, gave the child two doses of rabies vaccine instead of measles vaccine.

The child's physical condition deteriorated soon after the vaccination and she became lethargic. When the matter came to light, panic spread among other patients and guardians in the hospital.

According to the complaint, when the family members protested after the incident, they were mistreated. They demanded a proper investigation into the incident and punishment of those responsible.

The accused health inspector, Mohammad Qayyum, admitted that the child was given the rabies vaccine 'by mistake' and claimed that it was an unintentional mistake.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Lutfar Rahman Azad said that the incident was unexpected and a retired worker was involved in the vaccination program.