Flu vaccine clinics continue despite problems detected

UPDATE Oct. 31 –  The Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit will resume using two previously suspended vaccines from Novartis immediately, after being advised that Health Canada has lifted a suspension on the two vaccines this morning.

“We have been advised that Health Canada conducted testing, a health risk assessment, reviewed information from European partners and data submitted by Novartis in making this decision.  A safety issue was not identified with either Agriflu and Fluad distributed in Canada” says
Bill Sherlock, Manager for Vaccine Preventable Diseases for the Health Unit.

“We would like to reassure the public that the seasonal influenza vaccines we use in our clinics offer safe and effective protection against influenza, which kills 2,000 to 8,000 Canadians every year,” added Sherlock.

Following the lifting of the Health Canada suspension, the Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit has notified local health care
providers, including pharmacies, retirement homes and long term care homes that the affected vaccines can now be used and that they can
resume ordering their supply from the Health Unit.

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The Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit will continue to operate influenza vaccination clinics though the provincial government has put a hold on administering two brands of flu vaccine after some problems with them were detected.

As a precautionary measure Health Canada has issued a notice to all health care providers to hold all distribution and administration of Agriflu and Fluad produced by Novartis.  Agriflu and Fluad make up a small proportion of the local influenza vaccine supply.

“There have been no reported unexpected adverse events associated with either of these products,” says Bill Sherlock, the health unit’s manager of vaccine preventable diseases. “The Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit will not be using either of these vaccines at influenza clinics, nor distributing these vaccines to local health care providers until further notice and recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

“We would like to reassure the public that the seasonal influenza vaccines Vaxigrip, Fluviral and Intanza are not affected, and therefore we will continue to run our influenza clinics using these vaccines,” says Sherlock.

As advised by Health Canada, the Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit has suspended distribution of the vaccines (Agriflu and
Fluad) to local health care providers until a full review of the situation is completed.  On Saturday Oct. 27 2012 local health care
providers, including pharmacies, retirement homes and long term care homes were notified of the influenza vaccine hold.

No appointments are required to receive the influenza vaccination at health unit clinics.

If anyone has concerns about the vaccine that has been placed on hold they can call the Immunization Intake Line at 613-966-5513 ext 313.