Some H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine for children under three voluntarily recalled

OLYMPIA ¾ Some H1N1 vaccine manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur has been voluntarily recalled. There are no safety issues with the vaccine, but it’s not quite as potent as it should be. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials say the vaccine should still protect kids from H1N1 flu.

The 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.

About 5,100 doses of this vaccine have been shipped to our state. Health care providers should stop using this vaccine and wait for instructions on how to return it. The state Department of Health is working with local health agencies to track organizations that have received shipments and make them aware of the recall.

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“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.”

This recalled product is a very small percentage of the more than 1.6 million doses of H1N1 vaccine that Washington has received. All children can still be vaccinated from multi-dose vials and healthy children two and older can get the nasal spray vaccine.

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.