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Haemophilus Vaccines Recalled
Merck is recalling over a million doses of its Haemophilus influenzae Type B vaccine because of improper sterilization during manufacturing, according to the New York Times. CDC and FDA officials said there was no public health threat, although the recall may lead to a shortage of the vaccine this year.
The recall affects Pedvaxhib and the combination Haemophilus/hepatitis B vaccine Comvax that were distributed as early as April 2007.
Merck says that physicians should not administer vaccines from the recalled lots. Patients who have already received the recalled vaccines should finish their series with an Hib conjugate-containing vaccine not part of this recall. Revaccination is not necessary, Merck says, because the vaccine's efficacy was not affected.
[Editor's note: A transcript of the CDC's Wednesday teleconference announcing the recall will be available online later today. We have provided a link to the website.]
LINK(S):
CDC advisory transcript (Free)
Merck press release (Free)
New York Times story (One-time registration required)
Published in Physician's First Watch December 13, 2007
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