Some H1N1 “swine” flu vaccine for children under three recalled
The vaccine manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur has recalled some its H1N1 flu vaccine formulated for children under three because the vaccines are not as potent as they should be, Washington State Department of Health officials said.
There are no safety concerns and kids don’t need to be revaccinated, Department of Health officials said.
Only about 5,100 of the more than 1.6 million doses that have been shipped to the state are included in the recall, officials said.
Health officials emphasized the following points:
- There are no safety concerns.
- The recalled vaccine is only for children under three.
- Children who have already received the recalled vaccine don’t need to be revaccinated.
- However, children nine and under still need two doses of H1N1 vaccine at least 28 days apart.
- All children can still be vaccinated from multi-dose vials and healthy children two and older can get the nasal spray vaccine.
- Health care providers should stop using this vaccine and wait for instructions on how to return it.
“I understand why parents might be concerned. Yet, it’s important for everyone to know that the vaccine is safe,” says Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. “Also, there are other options available for young children who still need to get the H1N1 vaccine.”
To learn more:
- Visit the Department of Health’s H1N1 (swine flu) Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/h1n1/default.htm) has additional information on vaccine, as well as tips on how schools, businesses, and people at home can avoid getting sick.
- Visit King County’s H1N1 information Web page: www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1.
- Call the Flu Hotline at 877-903-KING (5464) isstaffed with operators to answer questions from King County residents about H1N1 influenza. The Flu Hotline is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with special 24-hour nurse line service extended over the weekend for people with flu seeking medical care advice. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day.
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