Decrease in potency leads to nasal H1N1 vaccine recall

Citing a slight decrease in the potency in the nasal version of the H1N1 vaccine, drug maker MedImmune is ordering a voluntary recall of the affected batches of FluMist. The recall will take over 4.5 million doses off the market following concerns that the potency of the vaccine is beginning to decrease.
 
“We are in the process of contacting our local health providers,” said Kore Redden, Pinal County Public Health’s Bio Defense and Response Administrator. “I believe that most of the doses have been administered before the vaccine’s potency was beginning to decrease. We are letting our local providers of the vaccine know about the recall just in case they have any doses left.”
 
Redden added that it is not uncommon for vaccines to lose their potency after a specific amount of time.
 
“Parents of children who received vaccine from the recalled lots do not need to take any special actions,” Redden said. “As is recommended for all 2009 H1N1 vaccines, all children nine years of age and younger should get the recommended two doses of H1N1 vaccine approximately a month apart for the optimal immune response. Children less than 10 years old who have only received one dose of the nasal spray vaccine should still receive a second dose of 2009 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine or inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine.”
 
H1N1 vaccinations are available through private providers and Pinal County Public Health Clinics for any residents that are interested. 

To schedule an appointment for an H1N1 influenza vaccination at a Pinal County Public Health Clinic, please call toll free 1-888-431-1311, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Private providers vary in their policies on appointment requirements but many urgent care centers are providing the vaccine on a walk-in basis. Additionally providers vary on billing insurance or other charges. Pinal County Public Health clinics are providing vaccination free of charge.

For information on H1N1 vaccinations at other locations you can call 877-764-2670 or check www.fluaz.org.

For a listing of Pinal County Public Health Clinics visit:
pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/PublicHealth/Pages/OfficeLocations.aspx.

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