Health officials say that the vaccines, which are sold under the tradename Menjugate, have been recalled as a precautionary measure.
A statement from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency(MHRA) said that the vaccines, which are manufactured and packed inItaly by pharmaceutical company Novartis, had passed all safety tests,and that the fear of possible contamination had arisen after a sample ofthe two batches was sent overseas for air pressure testing. The samplestested positive for the Staphlococcus aureus bacterium when they reachedtheir destination. However, the batches sent to the UK were transportedby road and were not exposed to the air pressure testing. Staphlococcusaureus can cause a number of serious health problems, including fatalblood poisoning and pneumonia.
Around 17,000 doses of the vaccine had been sent to GP's clinics beforethe MHRA was alerted to the problem. It is not known how many childrenhave received doses from the batch that has been recalled, but so farthere have been no reports of any infections.
Professor Kent Woods, chief executive of the MHRA, said, 'Parents shouldnot be concerned over this recall, as there is currently no evidence toshow that UK children have been put at risk.'
Christopher Head, chief executive of the Meningitis Research Fund, said,'Prevention in the form of vaccination remains the main weapon againstmeningitis and septicaemia. These are serious diseases that can kill inhours. We encourage anyone with concerns to call our Freefone 24-hourhelpline on 080 8800 3344.'
