The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) committee said side effects shown in a 74-year-old woman following immunization was believed to have arisen from medication complications.

The matron, who came down with a fever and rashes after being given the shot, has been advised to apply for relief, said health officials.

She had a history of hypertension, liver cirrhosis and diabetes prior to vaccination, and was, at the time of administrant, suffering from Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a condition usually brought upon by medication use that causes ulcers in the mucous membranes. The woman had been taking the drug carbamazepine, which carries increased risk of SJS.

As of yesterday, the VICP has received 127 petitions, 28 of which have been reviewed, said the DOH.

Twenty-six cases were not associated with the A(H1N1) flu vaccine, while the remaining two — including one deemed inconclusive — were ruled compensable, said the DOH.

Health officials added, however, that 12 cases were given reimbursements between NT$20,000 and NT$50,000 for medical charges and examination fees imposed to determine the link between the case and the vaccine.