Surveillance of adverse events following immunization: 10 years' experience in Oman

A descriptive record-based review of adverse events following immunization [AEFI] was carried out in Oman using the national database for the period 1996-2005. A total of 790 adverse event reports were received with an annual rate during the review period of 33.7 per 100000 population or 10.8 per 100000 doses administered. There were no reported deaths. The most frequently reported AEFI were BCG adenitis [69.7 per 100000 doses] and local reactions [3.6 per 100000 doses respectively]. The statistically significant higher rates among males, in children aged > 2 years and in some sparsely populated regions of Oman need further research. AEFI rates in Oman were similar or below the international averages

Absence of lymphatic filariasis infection among secondary-school children in Oman

The endemicity status of lymphatic filariasis in Oman is uncertain, with only sporadic cases reported, mostly imported. Immunochromatographic card test surveys were carried out to assess the presence of circulating Wuchereria bancrofti antigenaemia as a marker for active infection in children from suspected high-risk areas of Oman [South Batinah and Dhofar]. Lot quality assurance sampling surveys were carried out on a minimum of 250 secondary-school children aged 17-18 years in each of 8 districts from February 2004 to March 2004. All tested students were negative for circulating W. bancrofti antigen. Based on these findings as well as previous data, Oman may possibly be classified as a nonendemic country, with no evidence of indigenous lymphatic filariasis transmission

Measles epidemiology and its implications for a vaccination programme in Oman

To describe the epidemiology of measles in Oman and the implications for a vaccination programme, we conducted a retrospective record-based study from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2003 using data from the national epidemiological surveillance system. All cases notified as suspected measles during the study period were included. Of the 185 notified cases, 19.4% were confirmed measles positive. Blood samples for measles IgM were collected in 97.3% of cases. The mean age of measles cases was 8.0 [SD 10.7] years. The estimated overall incidence rate of measles for the study period was 0.53 per 100 000 person-years. Regression analysis indicated measles was significantly commoner among non-Omanis and children who had not been vaccinated

Safe injection practices in a primary health care setting in Oman

We conducted a national survey of injection practices in 78 government health facilities in Oman in 2001. Data were obtained by interview and observation. The overall standards were good and the stock of disposable equipment was adequate. Recapping of needles was only observed in 1 facility but in 28%, waste disposal boxes contained recapped needles and 17.9% reported needle-stick injuries in the past year. In 9% of the institutions, sharps were observed around the facility, in 12.8% unsupervised disposal containers were seen and in 11.5% unsafe storage of full boxes was observed. While disposal of the used waste was done away from the health facility, only 33.3% disposed of it by correct incineration