Clarification on the Canadian Vaccine Situation
According to recent news reports, the British-based vaccine manufacturer GSK has placed a voluntary hold on a single lot of H1N1 vaccine being used in Canada because of some reports of severe allergic reaction. This vaccine is not a U.S.-licensed vaccine. We have seen no such increase in severe allergic reactions to any U.S.- licensed H1N1 vaccines in millions of doses given to date. The GSK vaccine that was recently licensed in the U.S. has not yet been released for use, is not yet available, nor has it been distributed. Unlike the Canadian-licensed GSK vaccine, the U.S.-licensed GSK vaccine does not contain an adjuvant. We are in close contact with Canadian officials and are monitoring the situation closely.