H1N1 vaccines recalled

DAYTON (WDTN) - Thousands of local residents lined up Tuesday, December 15, for a H1N1 flu vaccine clinic in Greene County.

There were long lines, despite a massive nationwide recall, issued earlier in the day for 800-thousand H1N1 shots.

"I think a lot of recalls are blown out of proportion," said Chrissy Neff, who was waiting in line with her four kids. "I would rather be safe, then be scared of a recall and end up getting sick".

Health officials in Greene, Clark, Montgomery, Miami, and Warren Counties all say they've checked their supplies and did not receive any of the recalled shipments.

The recall is for pre-filled syringes intended for young children, ages 6 months to nearly 3 years. The shots, made by Sanofi Pasteur, were distributed across the country last month and most have already been used, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Doctors were notified of the voluntary recall on Tuesday. Dr. Anne Schuchat, a CDC flu expert, stressed that parents don't need to do anything or to worry. The vaccine is still safe, she said.

The issue is the vaccine's strength. Tests done before the shots were shipped showed that the vaccines were strong enough. But tests done weeks later indicated the strength had fallen slightly below required levels. Why the potency dropped isn't clear.

Children in that age group are supposed to get two doses, spaced about a month apart. Health officials don't think children need to get vaccinated again, even if they got two doses from the same lots, said Schuchat.

Swine flu vaccine has been available since early October, and since then manufacturers have released about 95 million doses for distribution in the United States.

The recalled shots were made by Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of France-based Sanofi-Aventis Group. The company reported the potency findings to the government officials and did a voluntary recall. A Sanofi Pasteur representative could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday.

Sanofi Pasteur bills itself as the No. 1 manufacturer of flu vaccines in the world. It makes flu vaccine at sites in France and in Pennsylvania.