Warning
2007-169
December 11, 2007
For immediate release
Three Lots of Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine Suspended from
Use
OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising provincial
and territorial health authorities not to use three lots of measles,
mumps and rubella vaccine while the Department investigates five
suspected cases of anaphylaxis in Alberta patients receiving the
product.
All cases were associated with lot 1529U of the MMR-II vaccine
sold by MerckFrosst Canada, and involved young adults who had a
previous history of allergy. All the individuals recovered upon
treatment. The vaccinations took place during a catch-up campaign
for young adults in the context of a mumps outbreak.
Health Canada has requested that MerckFrosst Canada provide a
written report on any manufacturing or safety problems associated
with Lot 1529U or its bulk components to complement other ongoing
investigative efforts. Two additional lots (1528U and 1680U) that
were made with the same materials were also sent to Alberta for
the catch-up campaign and may be in use elsewhere in the country.
Health Canada has requested that the use of these lots be temporarily
suspended as well. In total, approximately 200,000 doses are affected.
Other lots of the MMR-II vaccine remain available for use throughout
the country.
Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada continue
to monitor the safety of the MMR-II vaccine and will continue to
inform Canadians if new safety information arises. Serious adverse
events following MMR vaccination are rare. Despite millions of doses
of the vaccine administered in Canada since 1988, there have been
only 21 reports of anaphylaxis following immunization.
Canadians getting MMR-II vaccinations for themselves or their
children should consult with their physician if they have any questions
or concerns. Any serious or unexpected adverse reactions in patients
receiving the MMR-II vaccine should be reported to their health
care practitioner.
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Media Inquiries:
Alastair Sinclair
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709
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