U.S. bans CSL influenza vaccine called Afluria

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U.S. bans CSL influenza vaccine

by Ted Purlain on August 19, 2010

Following febrile fits and deaths in children, the United States and Europe have

banned an influenza vaccine for use in children produced by CSL, Ltd..

European health officials and the Australian Health Department recommend only

using the vaccine, called Afluria, on children over the age of five. The U.S.

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices says children under nine should not

be exposed to the vaccine, according to the Business Spectator.

CSL halted its H1N1 vaccine distribution in Australia following government

concerns. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that 23 children in

Perth were affected with fever and convulsions following injection.

It is unclear whether or not there will be a shortage of vaccine this season for

different age groups. There are spot shortages every year but overall national

supply should not be a problem, ACIP Chair Carol Baker said, according to

CIDRAP.

Australian Chief Medical Officer Jim Bishop told CIDRAP that authorities are

seeking more information from CSL and trying to confirm which batches were used

in Western Australia.

In a statement, CSL said that it is working with government officials to

investigate the problems.

" The company takes the safety and quality of its products seriously and will

provide more information as soon as possible, " the statement read, according to

the Wall Street Journal.

http://vaccinenewsdaily.com/news/214744-us-bans-csl-influenza-vaccine