November 24, 2009 | Written by: Suzanne Zilkowsky
H1N1 Recall: Was Your Vaccine Safe?
Over 100,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine are being recalled across Canada after it was discovered in Manitoba that a higher-than-usual amount of allergic reactions have occurred from one batch. Drug manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline has requested that over 170,000 doses coming from the so called questionable batch, not be administered.
“GSK is taking this cautionary action because the Public Health Agency of Canada has received a higher than expected number of reports of anaphylaxis in this lot number compared to other lots,” the company disclosed in a written statement on Thursday.
CTV News is also reporting that the country’s chief public health officer, Dr. David Butler-Jones, outlined that out of the 6.6 million doses of H1N1 vaccine administered so far to Canadians, there have been 36 serious adverse reactions reported.
Side effects that are not unexpected and may occur after receiving the H1N1 vaccine are nausea, soreness, headaches and fever, all of which have been reported as reactions to the seasonal flu shot.
Written by: Suzanne Zilkowsky
Filed Under: News
Tags: h1n1 recall
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Nicola Ferguson
November 25, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I have not had the jab. Not 100% sure whether or not I will.
It was pointed out that as a person who has had some trouble with asthma in the past I am more vulnderable and should get it. This is the only reason I would seriously consider it. My understanding is weak lungs = greater impact of the H1N1 virus.
Nicola Ferguson
November 25, 2009 at 3:21 pm
So what is the allergic reaction too? Is this people that are allergic to egg and not aware? Or is it something else?
Suzanne Zilkowsky
November 25, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Nicola,
This is an excellent question. GlaxoSmithKline said in a statement that the recall was only a precaution one, and that they will investigate more to see whether there was something wrong with the batch or not.
Anaphylaxis is what the vaccine triggered; manifested by breathing problems, swelling of the throat, tongue, lips and eyes and low blood pressure, which in some cases could be fatal. Fortunately, the six patients who experienced the allergic reactions have recovered.
So far GlaxoSmithKline advised medical staff in Canada last week to refrain from using this one batch of the vaccine while they look into why it caused more allergic reactions than normal.
Ann Lok
December 7, 2009 at 1:23 pm
I opted to do it for Social responsibility (foremost) – an ethical decision, perception of high risk as we are going travelling and high exposure to public mass during this time and I feel my body responds well to vaccinations without complications. The Ethical issue is my main reason.