Swine Flu H1N1 Vaccine RecallPOSTED: December 16, 2009 at 5:13 pm BY: Administrator |
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Worried parents heard all the hype about the H1N1 Swine flu. They waited in line with their kids for hours to get one of the precious vaccine doses. They thought they could finally relax. Now there’s a recall.
The good news is that the vaccine recall is not a safety issue. 800,000 pediatric vaccine doses are being recalled because they do not meet the required level of potency, or strength. Although the vaccines passed the initial tests, some doses seem to have weakened over time. The manufacturer, Sanofi Pasteur, voluntarily issued a recall of these doses which were slightly below the required potency level.
All children ages 6 months to ten years are advised to have a second vaccination shot within a month of the initial dose. The CDC states that parents whose children received doses included in this recall don’t need to do anything differently, other than ensuring that their children receive the standard second vaccine dose.
This recall is coming on the heels of a Canadian H1N1 flu vaccine recall after six people suffered from serious allergic reactions. GlaxoSmithKline, the vaccine manufacturer, recalled 170,000 doses and is looking into reports of the side effects. Similar problems with vaccine side effects have not been reported in other countries.
These recalls have some doctors concerned. Dr. Kent Holtorf, quoted in the NY Daily News, questions whether H1N1 vaccine production included enough quality control in general. He maintains that “rushing a vaccine is always worrisome.”
Most doctor, however, agree that getting the H1N1 vaccine is still a good idea. The flu vaccines are regularly tested for potency, purity and safety. Although H1N1 flu does not usually cause serious complications, 224 children have already died from H1N1 flu. The best way to protect children against H1N1 flu is with the vaccine and common sense measures like frequent hand washing. In a way, the recalls are actually reassuring, because they are proof that government health officials are keeping close tabs on the vaccines by monitoring the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines already administered.
To find out where H1N1 flu shots are available in your area, check out Google’s new flu shot finder at www.google.com/flushot.
