DeLauro on Flu Vaccine Recall

Urges calm reaction by the public, better quality testing by vaccine suppliers

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) today released the following statement in response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recalling over 800,000 doses of H1N1 flu vaccine. The vaccine is still safe. However, the recall was announced because routine, ongoing testing performed by the manufacturer, Sanofi Pasteur, found that the strength of the vaccine (potency) of four batches of pediatric syringes had dropped below pre-specified limits. Sanofi Pasteur is investigating what caused the problem. The same vaccine packaged in other dosing forms, such as pre-filled syringes for older children adults, and multi-dose vials, continues to meet specifications. This recall does not affect H1N1 vaccine produced by other manufacturers.

The doses, which came in pre-filled syringe form, are for young children aged 6 months to 3 years, and the majority of them have already been used. CDC experts state that children who received the vaccine do not need to receive another shot.

Congresswoman DeLauro said, "I want to reassure parents across the country that these vaccine doses are still safe, and if your child received one of the recalled doses, that they are still protected against the H1N1 flu. However, this is a clear signal of the need to increase our vigilance and make certain that we have several steps of careful testing throughout the vaccine production and delivery process."