Sanofi Pasteur announced a voluntary recall of pediatric syringes of H1N1 flu vaccine in mid-December after the potency of the drug was found to be slightly less than the specifications from the government. While there is no potential harm to patients, the protectiveness of the vaccine may be decreased. We discussed this on Denver Channel 7 on 12/16/09.
The first question , is there any reason for parents to be concerned about this recall?
The recalled vaccine, according to the CDC, the FDA and the manufacturer, is perfectly safe. This vaccine was for children aged 6 months to 3 years of age only. The vaccine met all safety and potency standards at the time it was shipped out for use. The concern that led to the recall is that the vaccine, now weeks after being shipped, is no longer as potent as the required limits. It is thought that the antigen – or the part of the vaccine that your body reacts to in order to create immunity – may be sticking to the side of the syringe, creating the lowered potency.
Should parents whose children had this vaccine need to get them re-vaccinated?
It is felt that children should not be re-vaccinated. Experts at the CDC and FDA have stated that even though it had a little less potency than the specifications, the vaccine should still be able to prevent H1N1 Influenza.
Is there still a lot of flu in the community?
Physicians in the hospital are still reporting a number of influenza-like illnesses, but the number of confirmed cases in Colorado is now listed as sporadic – or infrequent – on the CDC website. This is a decrease from earlier this fall.
However, it is important to remember that we are now just entering the seasonal influenza season. It is expected that we will see a rise in influenza as the strains that normally circulate this time of year start to appear. It is also important to remember that a separate vaccine is required to prevent the seasonal flu.
It was reported recently that the Russian army is increasing the rations of garlic and onions for their soldiers to prevent the flu – what foods are effective in preventing flu?
Frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and keeping frequently-touched areas such as doorknobs, handles and towels clean are still the best ways of preventing the spread of influenza.
Many foods, garlic, onions, vitamin C rich foods and even chicken soup have been traditionally felt to prevent illness – or help lessen the severity of colds and flu. There are biochemical pathways that could be affected by these foods and so theoretically, they could have benefit.
Interestingly, among these foods with some comparative scientific studies – garlic, vitamin C and chicken soup, only chicken soup was shown to have benefit that was notable – it helps clear nasal blockage from the steam that comes off the soup.
So, while it may make us feel better – it still would not get FDA approval as a medication for treatment.
Good Health! Dr. Dianne
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Tue, Dec 29, 2009
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