Swine Flu (H1N1) Vaccine Recall Reassurance

By Julie Stachowiak, PhD
Multiple Sclerosis Guide; Guest blogger

Usually the word "recall" means that something has injured or sickened many people, prompting manufacturers to get it all off the shelves.

Fortunately, the recall of 800,000 doses of pediatric swine flu (H1N1) vaccine has absolutely nothing to do with safety. I'll repeat that: The H1N1 vaccine that was recalled is SAFE!

The problem with the vaccine that was recalled by Sanofi-Pasteur was that it somehow lost potency from the time of manufacture and packaging over the following weeks. The potency was only slightly below required levels and the company issued a voluntary recall.

The good news is that there is no recommendation for kids to get vaccinated again if the received the two doses of vaccine that is recommended for all children under the age of 10. This is the case even if both doses came from the recalled lots.

Bottom line: If your child got two doses of H1N1 vaccine, don't do anything. If your child is still missing a dose (or two), get them vaccinated. There is nothing to worry about. Leave the stress over this situation to those dealing with the logistics of such a huge recall.